Pakistani citizenship for minors under the age of 21 as Pakistani citizens follows a clear process outlined in Section 11 of the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951, and Rule 17 of the Pakistan Citizenship Rules, 1952. This guide explains the steps that parents or guardians must take to complete the registration process smoothly.
Initiating the Application Process
First, parents or guardians must fill out Form ‘M’ in quadruplicate. They need to submit this form either directly to the Directorate General Immigration & Passports in Islamabad or to one of its zonal offices located in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, or Quetta. Alternatively, they can also send the application to the Federal Government (Ministry of Interior). It’s essential that parents or guardians complete the form accurately and submit it to the right office to avoid any delays in the processing.
Required Documents for Registration of Minors
Along with the completed form, parents or guardians must provide several documents. To start, they must include four recent photographs of the minor child. They also need to submit an affidavit that clearly outlines the facts of the case, confirming the child’s eligibility for citizenship. In addition, parents or guardians must provide documentary evidence proving that they are Pakistani citizens. Lastly, they must pay a processing fee of Rs. 200. By submitting these documents, parents or guardians help authorities verify the application and assess whether the minor qualifies for citizenship.
Procedural Requirements for Citizenship Applications
Once parents or guardians submit the application, they must ensure they follow the correct procedural steps. The application must include a certificate of citizenship of the parent or guardian, if available. Authorities will carefully check the documents to confirm that everything is in order. It’s crucial that parents or guardians submit the form to the correct office and provide all required supporting documents. Following these procedures allows the authorities to properly assess the application and determine the minor’s eligibility.
Reviewing and Approving Applications
Once the authorities receive the application and documents, they will thoroughly review the case. They will check whether the minor meets the eligibility criteria for citizenship. If the application meets all requirements, the Federal Government will issue a Certificate of Registration to confirm the minor’s citizenship. However, if the authorities find any discrepancies or if the application fails to meet the criteria, they will reject it. Therefore, parents or guardians should ensure they submit complete and accurate documentation to avoid any issues with the application.
Ensuring Flexibility in Special Circumstances
In certain situations, parents or guardians may face challenges in providing some required documents, such as the citizenship certificate of the parent or guardian. In such cases, they can submit a sworn statement explaining the reasons for the absence of the documents. This statement will help authorities understand the situation and decide whether they can proceed with the application. This flexibility ensures that parents or guardians who may face difficulties in obtaining certain documents are still able to complete the process.
Simplifying the Path to Citizenship
Registering a minor child as a Pakistani citizen involves several steps that parents or guardians must follow. By ensuring they submit the correct documents and follow the proper procedures, they can simplify the process and increase the chances of a successful application. Careful preparation is key to making sure everything goes smoothly. If parents or guardians need help with any part of the process, they can seek professional legal advice to guide them through the steps.
For expert legal assistance with citizenship matters, contact Osama Khalil, Lawyer & Legal Consultant.
Phone: +92-316-1829946 | +92-307-2732223
Email: osamakhalil9444@gmail.com | contact@khalilassociates.org