It is your constitutional responsibility to reply whatever asked: CJ

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Tuesday observed that a Pakistani is one who identifies himself as Pakistani in the world, Geo News reported.

On resumption of the SC three-member bench hearing of Dr. Tahirul Qadri’s petition pertaining to the reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Chief Justice of Pakistan made this remark here today.

Dr. Qadri as directed submitted his comprehensive reply relating to the right to file petition, legal justifications and about the holding of his dual nationality.

After having reviewed the reply, Justice Sheikh Azmat pointed out to Dr. Qadri that you haven’t provided the copy of your Canadian citizenship application form, while Justice Gulzar Ahmad said that the copy of the oath taken in Canada by you has also not been attached.

Dr. Qadri replied that my oath of Canadian citizen ship was not a matter of this case.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry reminded him that whatever we will ask, it was your constitutional responsibility to reply.

“You are not a common man, you are Sheikul Islam-- you have been giving lectures on religion in 90 countries—you took oath of loyalty to the British Queen”, CJ remarked.

CJ further said that you travel abroad as Canadian citizen and use Pakistani passport only for visiting Pakistan—Pakistani is one who identifies himself as Pakistani in any parts of the world—he should stand in any region even in the North Pole as Pakistani—you took oath of the loyalty to another country—you have taken oath of allegiance to the British Queen Elizabeth II and her descendants.

Dr. Qadri said that dual national is ineligible for the membership of the parliament, but not barred to vote.

One who is a voter and knows that he can’t be parliament member, still he could challenge the constitutional institution, CJ inquired.

Justice Gulzar Ahmad inquired when is he going back to Canada?

Dr. Qadri replied he is very much here, he is not going anywhere. “I am a Pakistani and can give up Canadian citizenship whenever I wish”, he further said.

Justice Gulzar Ahmad inquired that any one who comes to meet his family in Pakistan and then goes back, whether that person can take part in the country’s politics and other activities?

Continuing his observations, Justice Gulzar Ahmad said that you have come here to take part in Pakistani politics, which could not be allowed---such activities could not be allowed that disturbs the entire country.