A Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker has moved a resolution in the Punjab Assembly demanding a blanket ban on the appointment of dual nationals to government positions. The move targets the civil bureaucracy and public sector entities, citing concerns over national security and potential conflicts of interest.
The resolution, submitted by MPA Hina Pervaiz Butt, argues that individuals holding dual citizenship may prioritize foreign interests over their domestic responsibilities. It calls for an immediate amendment to recruitment rules, barring any candidate who possesses a passport or nationality from another country from holding a public office.
This is not the first time the issue has surfaced in Pakistan’s political discourse. The Supreme Court of Pakistan previously set a precedent by disqualifying high-profile politicians for failing to disclose their dual citizenship. However, applying this standard to the entire civil service represents a significant escalation in the debate over who is “fit” to serve the state.
Critics of the proposal point to the potential loss of high-level expertise. Many professionals in specialized fields—including finance, technology, and medicine—maintain dual nationality due to their international careers. Barring these individuals from government service could shrink the talent pool, particularly as the country struggles to attract experts to help navigate its current economic crisis.
Proponents, however, argue that the nature of civil service requires undivided loyalty. They contend that the sensitive information handled by high-ranking bureaucrats should be restricted to those who have renounced all other allegiances. The resolution specifically highlights the risk of “foreign influence” in decision-making processes that affect national security and fiscal policy.
The proposed ban faces a complex path through the assembly. While the ruling party maintains a majority, the move has already sparked internal debate regarding the practicality of such a rule. Implementing a total ban would require extensive legal vetting to ensure it does not violate fundamental rights or conflict with existing constitutional provisions regarding public service employment.
As the assembly prepares to debate the motion, the focus remains on whether this legislative push is a genuine attempt at security reform or a political maneuver to tighten control over the state apparatus. For now, the proposal sits on the legislative agenda, waiting for a formal hearing that will determine if the state’s doors will truly close to those with a second passport.
