Verdict in dual nationality case reserved
19 September, 2012
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its verdict in the dual nationality case. A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Chaudhry, and consisting of Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, observed that they had prolonged the case so that parliament could amend the constitution in this regard. During the hearing, Attorney General Irfan Qadir told the bench that if the lawmakers should not possess dual nationality then top functionaries such as president, governors, chiefs of armed services, chief election commissioner and judges should not enjoy the same. The CJP said that their case was not before the court. He said further if the court came to conclusion that dual national lawmakers should be disqualified then their cases would be sent to assembly speakers concerned. The AG said that there were a number of laws in the country, which were not being observed in their true spirit. Justice Chaudhry observed, "Do you mean to say that the constitution should be violated?" Counsel for lawmaker Amna Buttar informed the bench that her client was now aware of the dual nationality law and would not attend the session of Punjab Assembly anymore. MNA Sardar Shahjahan's lawyer denied that his client was a dual national, saying that his client's wife was a British national. Lawmakers Farhat Mahmood and Nadia Gabol's lawyer did not appear in the court. The AG requested that the National Assembly speaker should eventually decide the matter. Later, the bench concluded hearing in the case and reserved its verdict. End.
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