LAHORE – Defending dual national parliamentarians, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr Farooq Sattar remarked on Saturday that economic compulsions forced people to leave their homeland.
Dr Sattar, who is also deputy convener of the MQM Coordination Committee, was talking to the media on the occasion of inauguration of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Scheme Phase-II. “Dual nationality should be considered as a bonus and an honour,” he added.
The federal minister said the issue of dual nationality could be addressed by giving the Pakistanis living abroad the right to vote and take part in elections through an amendment in the Constitution, since they were as patriotic as those living in the country.
Talking about the Sindh Local Government Ordinance, Dr Sattar maintained that the MQM would soon convince the angry coalition partners in this connection. Commenting on the Balochistan situation, he said the matter should be settled before the upcoming general elections.
The MQM leader also visited the residence of famous lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir to express condolences on the demise of her mother.