A bill to disqualify a person for the services of Pakistan as well as for the parliament and provincial assemblies in case of holding dual nationality was introduced in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Muhammad Raza Hayat Hiraj of Pakistan Mulim League-Quaid (PML-Q) introduced the bill further to amend the Constitution -The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2011 (Insertion of new Article 63B).

Hiraj said that under the proposed amendment no person having dual nationality, foreign accounts and property abroad would be eligible for holding a public office or become a member of parliament or provincial assemblies.

He said the disqualification would be applied: – If an individual maintains an account in his name or in the name of his spouse, children or dependents of as the case may be, – If he/she holds a dual nationality or has a permanent resident status of any other country whether in his own name or in the name of his spouse, children or dependents, as the case may be.

-If he/she holds an office of profit or interest in any company or organization established in a foreign country or any in the name of his spouse, children or dependents of as the case may be. –If he/she owns any property whether free hold, lease hold or even in the form of licence, assets, shares or any interest in any company based in foreign country, whether in his own name or in the name of his spouse, children or dependents, as the case may be, and -If he/she carries out business including any commercial activity in any organisation or establishment based in a foreign country whether in his own name or in the name of his spouse, children or dependents, as the case may be.

Raza Hiraj in his statement of objects and reasons of the bill said that the bill would eradicate the misery of those under privileged class who were unaware of their association with their motherland.

He said “the situation once again necessitates that we should rise for the resurrection and fulfil the dream of the Quaid-e-Azam and ancestors. We should earn respect, not for ourselves but for Pakistan.” The bill was referred to the standing committee concerned for consideration.