ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday suspended the membership of Pakistan Peoples Party’s MNA Zahid Iqbal’s for holding dual nationality.
A 3-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry heard the proceedings of dual nationality case.Lawmaker Zahid Iqbal of PPP, Jameel Awan of PML-N and Anwar Mansoor who is counsel of Rehman Malik appeared before the court.The counsel of Zahid Iqbal said he will defend all allegations leveled against his client. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said if Zahid Iqbal would provide evidence proving he is not a dual national then his membership will be restored.
In the course of proceedings, the Chief Justice remarked that the court is hearing the dual nationality case under article 184 and people do not appear before court even after issuance of notices.The counsel of Rehman Malik told SC that his client has submitted copy of the passport. Upon which, Chief Justice said the court does not need copy of passport rather it needs nationality renouncement certificate of Rehman Malik and ordered to submit nationality renouncement certificate at the next hearing.
Moreover, Jamil Malik said he holds Holland’s nationality but he is not a citizen. The Chief Justice questioned his statement by asking “how can a person be a national and not a citizen”.MPA Tariq Alvana rejected the allegations leveled against him and requested more time from the court.Justice Jawad S Khawaja remarked that people holding dual nationalities should not be a part of Pakistan’s assemblies.
MNA Farhat Mehmood, MPA Nadia Gabol, MPA Ashraf Chouhan, MPA Wasim Qadir and MPA Nadeem Qadir were also issued notices to submit their documents again. The Supreme Court then adjourned the hearing till July 2, 2012.The apex court has already suspended membership of PPP’s Rehman Malik from Senate and PPP’s MNA Farah Nawaz Isphahani over holding dual nationalities. – Onlinenews
