Dual nationality has remained a recurring issue in debates on Pakistan’s politics and governance, particularly in relation to elected representatives and public office holders.
Pakistan has permitted dual nationality since 1972 through an amendment to Section 14 of the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951. While Section 14(1) prohibits dual nationality, Section 14(3) provides an exception allowing Pakistani citizens to acquire the nationality of the United Kingdom and Colonies and of countries specified by the Federal Government through notification in the official Gazette.
Under this provision, Pakistan has entered into dual nationality arrangements with 22 countries. According to the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, these include:
- 14 countries in Europe including United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland, Finland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Luxembourg
- Two countries in North America including Canada, United States of America
- Two countries in Oceania including Australia, New Zealand
- Four countries in Middle East including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Bahrain
Pakistanis holding a secondary citizenship of these 22 countries become eligible for National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).
Read FAFEN story on difference between electoral rights of NICOP and POC holders
How many Pakistanis hold dual nationality?
The exact number of Pakistani dual nationals is difficult to determine, as no government department publishes a consolidated database of citizens holding dual citizenship. Although it is often reported that more than 10 million Pakistanis reside abroad, this figure does not clarify how many of them have acquired a second nationality. Media reports, however, estimate that over four million Pakistanis hold dual nationality.
Dual nationality is not limited to overseas residents. Some individuals holding dual nationality reside and work in Pakistan and even hold public offices or participate in politics. According to a report submitted by the Federal Investigation Agency to the Election Commission of Pakistan during General Election 2018, 118 election candidates were found to be holding foreign passports. These included 57 holding United Kingdom passports, 26 United States passports, 23 Canadian passports, three Irish passports, two Belgian passports, and one each from Singapore, Australia, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Spain, and Uzbekistan.
The issue has also emerged in relation to civil servants. A 2025 report of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat noted that 2,365 civil servants and/or their spouses hold dual nationality. There are currently pending legislative proposals in both the Senate and the National Assembly to amend the Civil Servants Act, 1973 to restrict dual nationals from government service.
While dual nationality is legally recognized under specified arrangements, its implications for political participation and public office continue to remain part of policy and legislative debate.
