Punjab Assembly resolution seeks ban on dual nationals in government jobs

LAHORE: A resolution has been submitted to the Punjab Assembly calling for a ban on the appointment of dual nationals to government service, with the mover arguing that citizenship of another country raises concerns about allegiance and access to sensitive state information.

The resolution was moved by ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Amjad Ali Javed. It urges both the federal and Punjab governments to enact legislation preventing dual nationals from obtaining government employment.

According to the text of the resolution, an investigative report had claimed that about 24,000 serving employees in different government departments held dual nationality. It also said many of their family members possessed foreign citizenship, while others were in the process of acquiring it.

The resolution states that obtaining citizenship of another country requires an oath of allegiance to that state, which, it argues, can raise questions about an individual’s loyalty to Pakistan. It further notes that dual nationals are already disqualified from contesting elections on similar grounds.

It says government employees are entrusted with sensitive information related to national security, have access to important official records, and are involved in administrative and policy matters. Despite that, the resolution points out, existing laws do not bar dual nationals from serving in public sector positions.

The measure calls on the two governments to introduce suitable legislation and take necessary administrative steps to stop dual nationals from securing government jobs, saying such action is needed to protect national interests and safeguard sensitive state institutions.

Earlier this year, in January, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) MNA Noor Alam Khan also raised the issue of dual nationality for bureaucrats during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat. The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, moved by him, was under discussion at the meeting.

Speaking on the matter, Noor Alam Khan said “And if this does not happen, parliamentarians should also be allowed to have dual citizenship”.