Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Two parties—Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and partner in coalition government Awami National Party (ANP)—staged walkout from Senate against the 22nd Amendment Bill regarding dual nationality.

Meantime, members of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) including Mian Raza Rabbani and Aitzaz Ahsan voiced reservations over the bill, which has been remanded to the concerning standing committee.

Federal Law Minister Farooq H. Naek tabled the 22nd Amendment Bill 2012 regarding dual nationality before the house in a session chaired by Nayyar Hussain Bukhari.

Tabling a Privilege Motion, the ANP leader Haji Adeel took exception to the 22nd dual citizenship amendment, wondering how this amendment could be presented when 21st one was not yet put forward.

Responding his objection, the federal law minister quipped the 21st constitutional amendment was presented yesterday’s session of National Assembly.

Senate Chairman Bukhari, reacting to the PML-N’s opposition to the proposed bill, said they can put their viewpoints at table in Standing Committee. Naek also reinforced that the members can submit amendments in the Bill in Standing Committee; their suggestions will be mostly willingly acknowledged.

The PML-N’s Zafar Ali Shah stressed referring the bill to Standing Committee without a debate, stands contrary to the Constitution. Later on, PML-N and ANP walked out of the House.

Aitzaz said that at the time of taking oath of the US citizenship, one has to pledge to relinquish the nationality of any other country and fight for the USA, adding, “How the government could enter in dual nationality agreement with the US.”

Later on, the bill was referred to the corresponding Standing Committee and the session was prorogued till 5pm tomorrow. SAMAA