Adnan Sami in a fix, Pakistan refuses to confirm renunciation of nationality

Islamabad: Days after the Centre allowed famous Pakistani singer Adnan Sami to stay in India on humanitarian grounds till further orders, Pakistan on Wednesday refused to confirm his renunciation of nationality over his alleged disrespectful behaviour towards his national identity.

The latest move could hurt Sami's efforts to adopt the Indian nationality.

The authorities in Pakistan have refused to issue the "renunciation of citizenship certificate" to the famous singer, The Express Tribune reported. The certificate is necessary for any Pakistani citizen who wants to adopt the citizenship of any other country.

"Why would we issue the certificate to a man who has no respect for 'sacred' documents," a senior officer of Pakistan's Home ministry told the daily.

"The Pakistani singer would now have to submit an unconditional apology for his behaviour and follow the correct procedure for getting the renunciation certificate," officials said.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju had on August 4 informed the Lok Sabha that the singer was exempted from deportation proceedings under section 3 of the Foreigners Act.

"…in pursuance of the powers conferred under section 3A of Foreigners Act, 1946 (31 of 1946), the central government being of the opinion that it is necessary and expedient in public interest to do so, hereby declared that provisions of clauses (c) and (e) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the Foreigners Act 1946 and paragraph 11 of the Foreigners Order, 1948, shall not apply to Adnan Sami Khan, son of late Arshad Sami Khan, and he is exempted from deportation proceedings. This order shall remain valid until further orders are issued on the subject," the home ministry order said.

The 46-year-old singer, who gave hit songs like 'Kabhi to nazar milao' and 'Lift karaa de', had appealed for the legalisation of his stay in the country in May this year.

He submitted a representation to the home ministry on May 26, 2015, requesting for his stay in India on humanitarian grounds.

Sami, who came to India on a visitor's visa, had been staying in India since March 2001. His visa was extended from time to time, but as his passport expired in May this year and the Pakistani government refused to renew it, he was forced to request the Indian authorities to legalise his stay in the country on humanitarian grounds.

(With inputs from agencies)