KP makes prior approval mandatory for civil servants marrying foreign nationals

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has made it mandatory for civil servants to obtain prior permission before marrying foreign nationals, following approval of new rules by Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi.

According to a notification issued by the Human Resource Management Department, failure to secure official approval before such marriages will be treated as misconduct and may result in departmental action under relevant disciplinary laws.

The notification stated that the framework, titled “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Civil Servants (Restrictions on Marriage with Foreign National) Rules, 2026”, has come into force with immediate effect under Section 26 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Civil Servants Act, 1973.

Under the rules, a foreign national is defined as any individual who is not a citizen of Pakistan, while marriage includes unions conducted under any applicable law or religious customs.

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Civil servants intending to marry a foreign national must apply through proper channels and obtain prior approval from the government. Authorities will decide on applications based on factors including the nationality of the prospective spouse, Pakistan’s diplomatic relations with that country, and any potential security or service-related concerns.

The rules also require the foreign spouse to undergo security and credential clearance by relevant agencies through the Home and Tribal Affairs Department.

Applicants must submit supporting documents, including a character clearance certificate and an affidavit confirming that the foreign national has no involvement in criminal or anti-state activities.

The government will also review cases of serving civil servants who have already married foreign nationals without prior approval, with such cases to be reconsidered by the authorities.

The notification further warned that violations would be treated as misconduct, making employees liable to major penalties under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Servants Efficiency and Discipline Rules 2011.

However, the government retains the authority to relax these rules in specific cases if deemed necessary, provided reasons are recorded in writing.