Restoring Pakistani Citizenship from Bangladesh

Restoring Pakistani Citizenship from Bangladesh: I was born in Dacca, East Pakistan, as a Pakistani, and my grandfathers were also Pakistani. I wish to regain my Pakistani citizenship by birthright under the 1951 Constitution of Pakistan. Can you assist me in this matter?

Answer:

Your case relates to the restoration of Pakistani citizenship based on birthright. Since you were born in Dhaka (formerly East Pakistan) before 1971, your Pakistani citizenship status depends on various legal provisions, including the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951 and subsequent amendments.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Loss of Citizenship After 1971 – After the creation of Bangladesh, individuals residing in Bangladesh generally ceased to be Pakistani citizens unless they opted for Pakistani nationality and resettled in Pakistan.
2. Citizenship by Birth – Under the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951, individuals born in Pakistan (including pre-1971 East Pakistan) were considered Pakistani citizens. However, subsequent legal developments mean that citizenship claims now require proper documentation and government approval.
3. Restoration of Citizenship – If you previously held Pakistani citizenship and lost it due to the 1971 separation, you may apply for restoration of Pakistani nationality. The process typically involves:
   • Proving your prior Pakistani citizenship through documents such as birth certificates, old passports, or family records.
   • Filing an application with the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, Pakistan under the relevant provisions of the law.
   • Fulfilling any additional requirements set by the Ministry of Interior, Pakistan.
4. Possible Options – You may consider:
   • Applying for Naturalization or Citizenship by Descent if you have Pakistani parents or grandparents.
   • If you are a former Pakistani citizen, you may apply for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC), which grants residency and visa-free travel to Pakistan.

If you need legal assistance in filing your application or gathering relevant documents, I can help you with the legal process. Let me know how you’d like to proceed.