[Current Affairs] September 08,2020 Top Pakistan Current Affairs for FPSC Test Preparation

What’s going on? The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) govt is introducing legislation to let dual nationals contest elections in Pakistan. At the same time, if dual nationals actually win, they have to give up their other country’s citizenship before being sworn in. On the other hand, the opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is saying ‘not so fast.’

The details: PPP is reportedly trying to stop dual nationals from getting appointed as civil servants. Some PPP leaders submitted a bill in the National Assembly that aims to amend Section 5 of the Civil Servants Act 1973. Section 5 of the Civil Servants Act currently states that the president, or a person the president authorizes, can prescribe appointments to an all-Pakistan service, a civil service, or a civil post in connection with the federation and defence.

Tell me more: PPP thinks govt servants who are dual nationals will make the country vulnerable, put the country’s interests at stake, and probably leave to avoid accountability. PPP’s bill is plugging in the following condition: “…a civil servant holding dual nationality or citizenship of any foreign country shall not be entitled for appointment.” PPP lawmakers think their bill will ensure the loyalty of govt servants.

The bottom line: PTI’s legislation suggests that dual nationals can at least contest the elections without the risk or uncertainty of giving up their dual nationality for nothing in case they lose. Even though PTI’s legislation aims to increase the participation of overseas Pakistanis in the country’s political landscape, it still doesn’t let dual nationals serve as lawmakers.

5. Quick catch up

Remember when the SAPM on Information, Asim Bajwa, resigned from his position? He decided to submit his resignation after an investigative report came out, which made claims about his family’s properties and business interests abroad. The article also suggested that Bajwa used his official roles in Pakistan to help his family set up offshore businesses. However, in the midst of a hectic news cycle, there was an important update in this story. PM Khan refused to accept Bajwa’s resignation. PM Khan was reportedly satisfied with the documents Bajwa used as evidence against the article.