In a move set to reshape the eligibility criteria for public service, the federal cabinet has approved a draft constitutional amendment that would ban dual nationals from holding government positions. The proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, however, is a targeted legislative measure and does not affect the citizenship rights of the common Pakistani holding dual nationality, officials confirm.
The decision, ratified on November 8, is designed to enforce a principle of undivided loyalty within the state’s administrative and judicial machinery. It directly impacts an estimated 22,000 serving bureaucrats and an unspecified number of judges who currently hold citizenship from other nations.
Key Provisions of the Draft Amendment
- Focus on Public Office: The core of the proposal bars individuals holding dual nationality from serving in government positions, including the civil service, judiciary, and other strategic posts.
- Reversal of 2024 Law: This amendment marks a policy reversal, superseding the 2024 law that had permitted dual nationality with 22 specific countries.
- Establishment of Constitutional Court: The sweeping 48-clause draft also includes provisions for establishing a dedicated Constitutional Court and reforming procedures for judicial appointments and transfers.
A Surgical Measure, Not a Blanket Ban
Contrary to widespread speculation and misinformation circulating on social media, the proposed law is not a blanket revocation of dual citizenship for the average Pakistani citizen.
“The narrative that this amendment strips common Pakistanis of their dual nationality is incorrect,” a senior government official stated on condition of anonymity. “The legislation is specifically focused on individuals who wish to wield state authority. The rights of overseas Pakistanis to own property, travel freely, and invest in the national economy remain fully protected.”
This clarification is critical for a diaspora that numbers in the millions and is a vital source of remittances, which are a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy. For the common dual national—whether residing in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or the 19 other countries previously agreed upon—their status and ability to maintain deep ties with Pakistan remain unchanged.
Scope and Potential Impact
Data reported by The Express Tribune indicates the scale of the proposed change within the government itself, with over 22,000 officials potentially affected. The draft proposal now requires these individuals to choose between their public office and their foreign citizenship.
The scope of the ban and the timeline for compliance for current office-holders are among the details that will be scrutinized as the draft proceeds to a parliamentary vote, scheduled for November 14. Given the ruling coalition’s majority in the legislature, the passage of the amendment is considered likely.
Legal and political analysts suggest the move aims to address long-standing concerns about conflicts of interest and national allegiance in sensitive government roles. However, it also raises questions about the potential for a significant administrative reshuffle and the loss of experienced personnel from the bureaucracy and judiciary.
The Road Ahead
With the parliamentary vote imminent, the national conversation is expected to intensify. The government has positioned this as a necessary reform to safeguard national integrity in its institutions. Meanwhile, the clarification that the law targets public office, not common citizenship, is likely to assuage fears within the broader global Pakistani community.
The proposal underscores an ongoing debate about the nature of citizenship and governance, even as it seeks to draw a clear line between the rights of a citizen and the requirements of a public servant.
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