Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially prohibited dual nationals from serving as governors, deputy governors, or members of the Monetary Policy Committee at the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), The Express Tribune reported.
The decision follows the establishment of a committee to review a proposal that would have allowed dual nationals to hold critical positions in the central bank. The restriction, initially introduced in 2022, aligns with Pakistan’s broader policy of barring dual nationals from parliamentary and key government roles.
Policy Debate and Government Concerns
The finance ministry had earlier sought amendments to the SBP Act 1956, proposing to lift restrictions on dual nationals in senior SBP roles and legalize cryptocurrency usage. However, concerns were raised in a cabinet meeting about the long-term commitment of dual nationals, as many return to their second home country after their tenure.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who renounced his Dutch nationality to assume office, argued that the central bank needs specialists, and dual nationals should be considered for such roles. Despite this, the government ultimately upheld the restriction.
Wider Dual Nationality Restrictions in Government
The debate over dual nationality has extended beyond the SBP. Last year, a private bill was submitted to the National Assembly Secretariat, seeking to bar judges from holding dual nationality. It proposed amendments to Articles 177, 193, and 208 of the Constitution to reinforce these restrictions.
Similarly, last month, the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet discussed a bill preventing civil servants from holding dual nationality. PML-N Senator Dr. Afnanullah Khan emphasized that civil servants pledge loyalty to Pakistan and cannot serve two nations at once.
Future Amendments Under Consideration
The Cabinet Division has tasked a committee led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to review the SBP Amendment Bill 2024. The committee will determine whether to modify or retain the existing restriction and assess if similar rules should apply to other government organizations.
While the Cabinet Committee has tentatively agreed that Section 13A of the SBP Act could be amended to allow dual nationals if their nationality status is disclosed, a final decision is yet to be made.
This latest move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring key national institutions are led by individuals with undivided loyalty to Pakistan.
