News
Monday, July 02, 2012
Govt will bring law to allow dual nationals contest elections: PM* Raja tells Altaf PPP will get overseas Pakistani their due rights with support of its allies
* Altaf extends his full support to PM to deal with the national challenges
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Sunday said that the government would bring necessary legislation soon to remove the bar on dual nationality holders from contesting elections.
Raja extended this assurance to MQM chief Altaf Hussain during a telephonic conversation. He discussed with the latter the overall political situation of the country, including the issue of dual nationality holders. Raja assured the MQM chief that government would get the overseas Pakistani their due rights with the support of its coalition partners.
Altaf appreciated the prime minister’s decision to make legislation for the dual nationality holders, especially his directives to the federal law minister to himself work out the required legislative business. He said the government should expedite efforts to amend the existing law, allowing Pakistanis with dual citizenship to participate in elections. The MQM chief informed the prime minister about the efforts being made by Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr Farooq Sattar in this connection.
Altaf also extended his full support to the prime minister in dealing with numerous national challenges, resolution of public issues and for strengthening of democratic process in the country. “You should work for the betterment of the people with sincerity and would find MQM on your back for this cause,” Altaf assured the premier. Meanwhile, Raja termed the meeting between MQM chief and President Asif Ali Zardari productive and positive for carrying forward the cause of democracy. The two leaders agreed to end dual nationality law and strengthen democracy.
The MQM leader congratulated Raja on assumption of the prime minister’s office and reiterated his party’s support to him. Sources said Altaf stressed that all the challenges being faced by the country should be addressed in a democratic manner. “Prime minister should work to alleviate the people’s issues. MQM will stand by him,” he said. Raja appreciated the MQM’s support to President Zardari and the party’s efforts to safeguard democracy in the country. President Zardari and Altaf had in a meeting on Friday agreed that mutual understanding and dignity towards each other should be promoted instead of resorting to confrontation.
The prime minister thanked Altaf for a warm welcome he received on his visit to the MQM headquarters, Nine Zero. Raja said MQM leader’s contributions to the stability of democracy in the country were appreciable. He added both the coalition partners would continue their efforts for the betterment of the country and democracy.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk