Women seeking citizenship refuse to apply

PESHAWAR – The federal government has asked two Indian women seeking Pakistani citizenship to apply afresh so that their cases could be re-processed.

Official sources informed Dawn that the Interior Division had, a few days ago, advised Dr Hafsa Aman and Aqila Durrani, who are married to Pakistani citizens, to file fresh applications.

However, the women decided not to submit fresh applications because their cases were pending before the Peshawar High Court. Dr Hafsa’s husband Aman Khan confirmed to Dawn that they had turned down the advice.

“We faced a lot of humiliation. My petition is now in the high court, and we have trust in the judiciary.” Amjad Ali, counsel for Aqila Durrani, also confirmed that his clients had received the advice.

Mr Ali said that since the citizenship case was pending before the Peshawar High Court, they had not filed any fresh application. Meanwhile, the interior division, in its comments in the high court, stated that Aqila Durrani was denied citizenship because the security agencies had not given clearance. The comments, sent by a section officer of the division, stated that granting citizenship to an applicant was subject to clearance from the security agencies.

Source: Dawn

Date:9/12/2004