A legislative proposal to amend Pakistan’s Constitution to bar dual nationals from judicial appointments has been introduced in the National Assembly.
The bill, spearheaded by JUI-F member Noor Alam Khan, seeks to modify Articles 177, 193, and 208 of the Constitution, thereby preventing individuals with dual nationality from serving as Supreme or High Court judges.
The constitutional amendment bill underscores the necessity of ensuring that judges demonstrate undivided loyalty to the state. The rationale provided in the bill is that individuals holding citizenship in more than one country might have compromised allegiances, which is deemed inappropriate for roles within the judiciary.
According to the proposed changes, dual nationals will be ineligible for judicial positions or employment within the courts. The bill highlights a significant push towards reinforcing judicial integrity and national allegiance within the upper echelons of Pakistan’s legal framework.
The bill’s submission to the National Assembly Secretariat marks the beginning of a legislative process that could potentially lead to substantial changes in the eligibility criteria for judicial appointments and reflects a broader concern over the influence of dual nationality on national loyalty and security in positions of critical national importance.
