The National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Khurram Nawaz, has approved the Citizenship Amendment Bill, marking a significant move for overseas Pakistanis. The bill aims to allow Pakistani nationals who previously had to renounce their citizenship due to acquiring foreign nationalities in countries without dual nationality agreements, to reclaim their Pakistani citizenship. The Law Ministry highlighted that this amendment resolves a longstanding issue and facilitates the restoration of Pakistani nationality for many abroad.
The committee was informed that Pakistan lacked dual citizenship agreements with 22 countries, but these have now been finalized, enabling overseas Pakistanis to retain their Pakistani nationality even after acquiring foreign citizenship. Chairman Khurram Nawaz expressed strong support, emphasizing that overseas citizens should not have to choose between their homeland and their current country of residence.
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In the same session, PTI parliamentary leader Zartaj Gul Wazir called for the creation of an independent passport authority, arguing for autonomy similar to that of NADRA. She praised the current work of the Directorate General of Passports and stressed the need for efficiency and transparency through an autonomous structure.
The committee also addressed reforms related to arms licensing. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed that all provinces are actively issuing licenses, with each Member of the National Assembly eligible for one license approved by the prime minister. He clarified that while prohibited bore licenses are being issued again, they are restricted and will only be granted on recommendations by MPs.
Talal Chaudhry also updated the committee on a list of 4,300 individuals provided by Saudi Arabia, all of whom have been repatriated and had their passports cancelled.
Further discussions focused on the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), with concerns raised by MNA Jamshed Dasti over frequent leadership changes. Talal Chaudhry defended the agency, urging support rather than criticism.
Additionally, the committee reviewed plans for a new law targeting professional beggars. The proposed law aims to introduce a system for registration, punishment, and tracking, addressing illegal border crossings via third countries like Iran and Turkey. Chairman Khurram Nawaz and members Raja Khurram Nawaz and Agha Rafiullah stressed the need for stringent measures against this growing issue.
