Dual Nationality Dilemma: Pakistan's Senate Debates Bureaucratic Allegiances

During a Senate session, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Afnan Ullah Khan revealed that 2,500 bureaucrats, including federal secretaries, possess dual nationality. Highlighting this concern in a budget debate, he mentioned a bill passed by the Senate committee to ban dual nationalities among bureaucrats, which awaits further consideration.

Senator Khan questioned the loyalty of individuals with dual citizenship, citing potential national security risks and alluding to recent events involving foreign agents in Iran and the alleged presence of Israeli agents in Pakistan. He cautioned that failure to address this issue could lead to significant consequences for the nation.

The budget also faced scrutiny, with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Quratul-Ain Marri criticizing its provisions. She lamented the lack of adequate support for agriculture, an economic cornerstone, and objected to taxes affecting low-income sectors. Meanwhile, PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rashid defended the budget, asserting market stability post-announcement, while other leaders voiced concerns over inadequate long-term economic policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)