PML-N MPA seeks dual nationality job ban

A Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member of the Punjab Assembly has proposed a ban on the appointment

A Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member of the Punjab Assembly has proposed a ban on the appointment of dual nationals to government service. The resolution urges both the federal and Punjab governments to introduce legislation preventing individuals holding dual citizenship from securing public sector jobs.

The resolution was submitted by PML-N MPA Amjad Ali Javed. It argues that government employees should have complete loyalty to Pakistan, especially those serving in sensitive institutions or positions involving national security and confidential information.

According to the resolution, reports indicate that nearly 24,000 employees currently working in different government departments possess dual nationality. It also claims that many of their family members are foreign citizens, while others are in the process of obtaining citizenship of another country.

The resolution states that acquiring citizenship of another country requires taking an oath of allegiance to that state. It argues that such an oath could raise concerns about an individual’s commitment to Pakistan while serving in an official capacity.

It further notes that dual nationals are already barred from contesting elections under existing laws. The resolution says a similar principle should apply to appointments in government service to ensure consistency in public office requirements.

The proposal emphasizes that civil servants often deal with classified documents, national security matters, official records and important policy decisions. It argues that unrestricted access to such information by individuals holding foreign citizenship may create potential security concerns.

The lawmaker maintained that existing laws do not prohibit dual nationals from serving in government departments. He called on the federal and provincial governments to fill this legal gap by introducing clear legislation governing appointments in the public sector.

The resolution also urges the authorities to adopt administrative measures to ensure that only individuals with sole Pakistani citizenship are eligible for government employment. It says such steps would help protect national interests, strengthen state institutions and safeguard confidential government information.

The issue of dual nationality among public officials has been debated in parliament on several occasions. Earlier this year, JUI-F lawmaker Noor Alam Khan also called for restrictions on bureaucrats holding dual nationality during discussions on proposed amendments to the Civil Servants Act. He argued that if civil servants are allowed to retain dual citizenship, lawmakers should also be granted the same privilege.