ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday said legally a person with dual citizenship could not become a member of National Assembly and the Senate, however said that there was no such bar for them to hold any other position and to become adviser or special assistant.
"In democracy, the status of elected representatives is higher because of the people's trust in them, however government's may need non-elected technical experts as their advisers. The practice is common worldwide," Qureshi said in an interview with a private television channel.
The Cabinet Division on July 18 issued the details of assets and dual nationalities of 20 advisers and special assistants to the prime minister that showed four of his aides having dual nationalities.
Qureshi mentioned that several non-elected persons in the past rendered their services to governments, however Prime Minister Imran Khan set a precedent of declaring the dual citizenship and financial assets of his advisers and assistants. "To date, no political party other than Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has adopted such a clear policy to avoid conflict of interests and restrict use of positions for personal or economic gains," he said. Qureshi said according to Constitution, the prime minister can appoint five such advisers, adding that his advisers and technocrats had been appointed as per law.
Reports indicate that they tried to breach one of gates, harassed staff, and even scaled walls of premises
Nasir praised role of Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, who controlled situation with tolerance
A fierce exchange of fire ensued, but culprits managed to escape under cover of darkness
Police said booked leaders and BYC workers gathered at main Turbat Chowk
Experts say draconian internet censorship threatens to cut country off from promising future
Bokhari emphasised that cases have been registered against "Fasadis", and no one will be spared
