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in Pakistan refers to the process through which an individual automatically acquires Pakistani nationality if they are born within the territory of Pakistan, subject to specific conditions outlined in the *Pakistan Citizenship Act of 1951*.
1. *General Rule (Section 4 of the Pakistan Citizenship Act)* - A person born in Pakistan *on or after* *14th August 1973* is considered a Pakistani citizen by birth, *unless*: - At the time of the person's birth, both parents are *foreign diplomats*, representatives of foreign governments, or persons with immunity under international law.
- The parents of the person are *enemy aliens* (i.e., nationals of countries at war with Pakistan).
2. *Exceptions to Citizenship by Birth*: - *Children of Foreign Diplomats*: Individuals born in Pakistan to foreign diplomats, consular officials, or representatives of foreign governments do not automatically acquire Pakistani citizenship.
- *Children of Enemy Aliens*: If the parents are citizens of a country at war with Pakistan (i.e., enemy aliens), the child born in Pakistan does not automatically acquire Pakistani citizenship.
3. *Key Considerations*: - The child’s place of birth within Pakistan is the determining factor for citizenship, but the nationality or status of the parents plays a crucial role in whether citizenship by birth applies. - The provisions of *citizenship by birth* apply to children born in Pakistan, regardless of whether the parents are Pakistani citizens or foreign nationals (with some exceptions, as mentioned).
4. *Dual Citizenship*: - Pakistan generally does not recognize dual citizenship. Therefore, if a child is born in Pakistan to foreign parents and acquires foreign nationality by descent, Pakistan may not grant dual citizenship. This can complicate the issue in practice for children born in Pakistan to foreign parents.
In summary, *citizenship by birth* in Pakistan is primarily based on the location of birth within the country, with exceptions for children born to foreign diplomats or enemy aliens. This system helps ensure that individuals born in Pakistan are generally entitled to Pakistani citizenship unless specific conditions apply.