Pakistan, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a testament to South Asia’s beauty. Its diverse traditions, warm hospitality, and a vibrant mix of languages paint a vibrant tapestry. Amidst the challenges, Pakistan’s resilience shines through, making it a country worth celebrating and a unique place to call home.
Keep reading as Wego delves into the procedure of obtaining Pakistani citizenship, examining the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits of embracing this exceptional cultural heritage.
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The Pakistan Citizenship Act of 1951 is a pivotal legal framework governing nationality matters in Pakistan. It outlines the rules and regulations for acquiring, retaining, and renouncing Pakistani citizenship. The act plays a significant role in defining the criteria for citizenship, which may be obtained through birthright, descent, or naturalization. It ensures that Pakistan’s citizenship remains accessible and regulated for individuals residing within its borders.
There are three primary classifications of acknowledged Pakistani citizens: individuals who acquire citizenship by birth, those who inherit it through their family lineage, and those who obtain it through migration.
Furthermore, Pakistan allows dual nationality under specific regulations. Citizens can hold both Pakistani and foreign citizenship, but they are required to report their foreign nationality and adhere to guidelines to avoid losing their Pakistani citizenship.
A law that defines who a Pakistani citizen is and how one can acquire or lose Pakistani nationality. It also regulates the rights and obligations of Pakistani and Commonwealth citizens in Pakistan. The Act was passed by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on 13 April 1951 and came into force on the same date. The Act has been amended several times since then to accommodate the changes in Pakistan’s political and geographical landscape.
This law was enacted in former British India to regulate granting citizenship to aliens residing in the territory. The Act was later adopted by Pakistan and Bangladesh after their independence, with some amendments and modifications. The Act specifies the conditions and criteria for applying for and obtaining a certificate of naturalization, which confers the rights and obligations of a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh. The Act also provides for the revocation, termination, or renunciation of citizenship in some instances. The Citizenship Act 1951 in Pakistan repealed the Act and the Bangladesh Citizenship (Temporary Provisions) Order 1972 in Bangladesh.
The Central Government of Pakistan made a set of rules to implement the Naturalization Act 1926. The rules specify the forms and procedures for applying for and obtaining a certificate of naturalization, which grants the rights and obligations of a Pakistani citizen to an alien. The rules also provide for the declaration of Pakistani citizenship by the wife of a naturalized citizen and the recording and revocation of certificates of naturalization.
The Federal Government of Pakistan made a set of rules to implement the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951.
For further details on these legislations, visit the official DGI&P website .
Here are the requisites for acquiring Pakistan citizenship by birth:
Here are the requirements for acquiring Pakistani citizenship by descent:
Individuals who migrated to Pakistan from the territories in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent before the commencement of the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951 are automatically declared citizens of Pakistan.
Commonwealth citizens who invest at least PKR 5 million worth of foreign exchange in the country are eligible for Pakistani citizenship. This investment policy is part of the new National Security Policy, which emphasizes geo-economics as a key factor in Pakistan’s national security.
Foreigners can obtain citizenship in Pakistan through naturalization by meeting the following criteria:
This provision grants Pakistani citizenship to foreign women who marry Pakistani men, subject to specific conditions and procedural requirements.
Any Pakistani citizen residing abroad who is not a minor and possesses citizenship or valid proof of nationality from another country is required to submit a renunciation of Pakistani citizenship using “Form X” in triplicate through a Pakistani Mission. The individual will lose Pakistani citizenship upon registration by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports in Islamabad.
For a brief summary of the application process, application fee, and the prerequisites for Pakistan citizenship cancellation, please refer to the DGI&P webpage . Additionally, you can find guidelines pertaining to renunciation under the ‘ Guidelines for Renunciation ‘ section on the website.
The government of Pakistan has dual nationality arrangements with 22 countries. Citizens of the mentioned countries are not required to renounce their nationality while acquiring Pakistani citizenship.
Please note that children born in Germany to Pakistani parents who have acquired German citizenship by birth in addition to their parents’ nationality from another country are eligible.
The required documents for your Pakistani citizenship application depend on the type of application you are pursuing. Below are the categories for which application requirements are provided:
For a detailed overview of the specific prerequisites based on the application form you are using, please refer to ‘ Grant of Citizenship ’ under the Immigration section on the DGI&P portal.
There are four steps to acquiring your Pakistan citizenship.
Application forms can be obtained from the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (Dte. Gen. I&P) in Islamabad and its zonal offices located in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Quetta. Alternatively, you can download these forms from the downloads section.
You can submit applications at the regional passport offices of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) at the Provincial Headquarters and Home Departments of the concerned Provincial Government.
After the official process and approval of the competent authority, the Citizenship certificate will be issued through the concerned RPOs or the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, Islamabad.
Please note that applicants are advised to get their foreign passports renewed by concerned authorities and get their visas/extensions renewed until receipt of the Pakistan Citizenship Certificate.
A Pakistan citizenship certificate is an official document issued by the Government of Pakistan, serving as definitive proof of an individual’s citizenship status in the country. This certificate is granted to individuals who have fulfilled the prerequisites for acquiring Pakistani citizenship, including being born in Pakistan, having Pakistani parents, or meeting residency requirements and other eligibility criteria. It holds significant importance as it grants access to various rights and privileges inherent to Pakistani citizenship, including the right to vote, eligibility for public office, and the ability to travel using a Pakistani passport.
Obtaining Pakistani citizenship offers numerous advantages that significantly enhance one’s quality of life and integration into Pakistani society. These benefits encompass personal, civic, and socioeconomic aspects.
As a Pakistani citizen, you are entitled to: