Dual Nationality
Since independence, the growth of expatriate Pakistani communities in the Middle East, Europe and North America has led to several changes in Pakistani nationality law. Although holding dual citizenship was not permitted under the 1951 law, the Government of Pakistan now recognizes and allows its citizens to also hold dual citizenship of 16 countries:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- Egypt
- France
- Iceland
- Italy
- Ireland
- Jordan
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- United Kingdom
- United States
Pakistanis with dual citizenship are forbidden to run for public office, sit in the assemblies, contest elections or join the Pakistani military. On 20th September 2012, the Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified eleven lawmakers including Interior Minister Rehman Malik for failing to disclose their dual nationalities upon taking office. The proposed 21st amendment to the Pakistani constitution would allow dual citizens to hold public office and contest elections. The proposed amendment has been introduced in Government but has yet to be ratified.
Read more about this topic: Pakistani Nationality Law
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