The federal government has launched a wide ranging effort to gather information on public officials who hold dual citizenship, a move being described as a significant administrative step.
According to media reports that authorities are compiling detailed records of officers in Grade 17 and above for submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet. The data being collected includes the names of officers with dual nationality, along with their parents’ names, national identity card numbers, service groups, ex-cadre status, current departments, and present postings.
In addition, officials are documenting each officer’s current grade and the dates on which they obtained citizenship of any country other than Pakistan.
According to reports, the objective is to present a complete overview of dual nationality within the civil service to the committee, which had formally requested the information.
The initiative is being viewed as part of a broader review of policies related to dual citizenship among government employees, with the possibility of warnings or further action once the data is analysed.
Earlier, the Establishment Division sent a draft amendment to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) about the rules on dual citizenship for government employees.
The proposal suggests a complete ban on dual citizenship for foreign service officers and staff.
In addition to this, other government employees will need official permission before getting citizenship in another country.
The draft was prepared after recommendations from the Secretaries’ Committee. It suggests changes to service rules related to the dual nationality of government workers.
The draft suggested a full ban on dual citizenship for diplomats. Foreign service officers and staff will not be allowed to hold citizenship of another country, as per the suggestions in the draft.
Ambassadors who already have dual citizenship will have to give up their second nationality, according to it.
Additionally, the government employees will have to declare if they or their family members hold dual citizenship. This must be done within three months according to the proposed rules.
The purpose is to officially record the dual nationality status of employees and of their families as well.
Also read: Pakistan ‘to ban’ dual citizenship for govt employees
