It is about time that overseas Pakistanis were given the right to vote.
LAHORE: The current fiscal year saw a rapid increase in the remittances coming from Pakistanis working abroad. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis announced that the figure rose up to almost $13 billion from $11 billion in the previous year. Moreover, it has been reported that the government is planning to maximise the export of manpower to the Gulf region to boost remittances and foreign exchange reserves, which will support the economy in return. It is praiseworthy that the government is trying to facilitate workers so that they get an opportunity to utilise their skills. However, it is important that the government ensures decent working conditions for Pakistani workers abroad. Reforms should be followed up thoroughly so that overseas Pakistanis feel a sense of belonging to their motherland.
Also, it is about time that overseas Pakistanis were given the right to vote. The government, along with the election commission, should oversee changes in the system so that Pakistanis living abroad can exercise their electoral right in the next election.
Afia Malik
Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2014.
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