The Government of Pakistan has introduced a key provision in the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, aimed at addressing concerns over dual nationality among public sector employees. Under the new proposal, Govt Employees holding foreign citizenship will be required to make a decisive choice — either retain their government position or renounce their foreign nationality.
This amendment seeks to extend the existing restrictions applied to public office holders — such as members of Parliament and ministers — to civil servants and other government employees. By doing so, the government aims to ensure that all individuals serving in official capacities maintain unwavering loyalty to Pakistan and are not influenced by external affiliations.
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Officials familiar with the draft legislation have stated that the move is designed to reinforce national integrity and eliminate potential conflicts of interest within the bureaucracy. Concerns have long been raised about individuals in sensitive government positions holding citizenship or permanent residency in foreign countries, which could compromise decision-making or expose state interests to external influence.
The proposed amendment highlights that serving the state requires undivided allegiance, and public servants entrusted with national responsibilities must not have divided loyalties. By closing this legal gap, the amendment aims to create a more transparent, accountable, and patriotic public service structure.
Under the new framework, government employees found to be holding dual nationality will be given a specific period to declare and rectify their status. Failure to do so could result in the forfeiture of their position or other disciplinary action as defined by law.
Legal experts view this measure as a significant step toward aligning civil service standards with constitutional principles of loyalty and national service. They note that while Pakistan’s Constitution already restricts dual nationals from holding parliamentary seats, this amendment expands the scope of that principle to the wider bureaucracy — an area previously less regulated.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment, which also includes other major reforms related to military command and governance, reflects the government’s broader efforts to strengthen institutional integrity and national sovereignty. If passed, it would mark a substantial shift in Pakistan’s approach to public service ethics, ensuring that those serving the nation do so with complete dedication and a single national allegiance.
