Tariq Mahmood Awan
In every country, public service is built upon a simple but sacred principle, loyalty to the state and its people. When that loyalty becomes divided, institutions crumble, and governance loses credibility. Pakistan today faces such a dilemma, as hundreds of bureaucrats, senior officers, and officials continue to hold dual nationality while serving in powerful positions within the government. This is not a small administrative flaw; it is a national weakness that strikes at the very heart of the state’s integrity and the public’s trust.
Civil servants, bureaucrats, and public officials are the custodians of national power. They design policies, control finances, manage administration, and influence decisions that directly shape the lives of millions of Pakistanis. When such individuals hold citizenship of another country, it raises an obvious and fundamental question: to whom do they truly owe their loyalty? A person cannot serve two states with equal faith and dedication. If one’s financial assets, family, or personal security are tied to another country, then their decisions in Pakistan cannot be completely free from bias or self-interest.
In recent decades, Pakistan has seen a growing trend of public officials acquiring dual nationality, mostly of countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, Portugal, Gulf and the United States. On paper, this may seem harmless, but in reality, it creates a dangerous conflict of interest. When these officials misuse authority, indulge in corruption, or manipulate state policies for personal benefit, they always have the comfort of a “second home.” Once exposed, they simply flee abroad under the protection of their foreign citizenship, beyond the reach of Pakistani law.
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This pattern has been repeated countless times, officials accused of embezzlement or misuse of power conveniently retire or resign, vanish, and resettle in foreign countries. The system is left helpless, unable to prosecute them or recover looted national wealth. The result is a cycle of impunity. The message this sends to honest officers and to ordinary citizens is devastating: corruption pays, and loyalty does not.
The state must, therefore, take a clear and firm stand. Dual nationality for civil servants, judges, diplomats, and senior officials must not be allowed under any circumstances. Public office in Pakistan should be reserved only for those whose loyalty and destiny are bound entirely to this land. The oath of service that every civil servant takes is not symbolic, it is a moral and legal pledge to serve Pakistan faithfully and to uphold its Constitution. Holding another nationality breaks that very oath.
Pakistan’s Constitution, particularly Article 5, states that “loyalty to the State is the basic duty of every citizen.” When this principle is applied to public service, it carries even greater weight. The civil service, judiciary, and law enforcement institutions form the backbone of governance. Their neutrality, honesty, and loyalty determine the credibility of the entire system. A divided loyalty not only undermines this trust but also weakens the state’s authority and international standing.
It is also important to understand that this is not an attack on overseas Pakistanis. Millions of overseas workers who hold dual nationality contribute billions in remittances and play a crucial role in sustaining Pakistan’s economy. They are a source of pride and strength. However, they do not hold public office or exercise executive power. The restriction on dual nationality must apply only to those in public service, who are responsible for policy-making, administration, and safeguarding public resources.
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A bureaucrat with a second passport is always in a position of divided incentives. On one hand, they enjoy the privileges of power in Pakistan; on the other, they have the comfort of foreign security, healthcare, education, and long-term protection. It is this imbalance that erodes the moral strength of public institutions. It creates a class of officers who see Pakistan merely as a career station rather than their home, a place to earn, not to serve.
The solution is both constitutional and administrative. The government must pass a comprehensive law prohibiting dual nationals from joining or continuing in public service. Those already holding such status should be given a choice either renounce their foreign citizenship or resign from public office. This is not an act of exclusion but one of fairness. Every citizen has the right to dual nationality, but no one should have the right to serve two states at once, especially when one of them demands exclusive allegiance.
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This reform would also restore dignity to Pakistan’s civil services. For too long, public perception has been shaped by stories of corruption, misuse of power, and bureaucratic arrogance. By ensuring that only those with single, undivided nationality serve the state, the government can send a strong message that public office is not a stepping stone to foreign comfort but a lifetime commitment to national duty.
Pakistan’s culture and history are rooted in sacrifice and service. The creation of this country was based on the idea that loyalty and faith must never be divided. It is, therefore, an insult to that very spirit when senior officials who enjoy power, authority, and privileges funded by Pakistani taxpayers — keep a backup identity abroad. It undermines the very idea of national belonging.
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A civil servant should represent the confidence of the state, someone who lives and dies with the people they serve. They must not be allowed to act like temporary residents of Pakistan. The state should ensure that the public sector attracts people who see Pakistan not as an opportunity, but as a lifelong responsibility.
Ultimately, the question is not just about legal reform but about moral clarity. How can a country fighting economic hardship, institutional decay, and governance crises afford to let its most powerful officials hold another country’s passport? The answer is simple, it cannot. A divided loyalty cannot build a united nation.
Pakistan deserves a public service that belongs entirely to it , devoted, patriotic, and accountable. Those who wish to serve must make a choice: either serve Pakistan with complete dedication or pursue comfort elsewhere. The time has come for Pakistan to take a firm and patriotic decision — no dual citizenship for public servants, no divided loyalties in public office.
