Empowering expatriates

Riding on a euphoric note, after granting the right to vote for overseas Pakistanis, Prime Minister Imran Khan launched the Digital Power of Attorney portal for the expatriates. This will help ascertain online services aptly verified through biometrics and video interview through a software developed by NADRA. More than 75,000 people visit Pakistani foreign missions for the issuance of POAs annually, and now the same can be procured from the comfort of their homes. This is yet another digital leap after the introduction of cartography pilot projects in major cities of Pakistan, as well as the efforts to introduce automation in the FBR.

In the first phase of the POA project, 10 missions in the United States and the United Kingdom will start providing services, whereas the same shall be rolled out at all the foreign missions in the next 10 weeks. Earlier, succession certificates were also launched online for expats. The intention of the government is to recognise, empower and facilitate expatriates who form the backbone of the economy. Foreign remittances account for more than $29 billion, and despite global downslide Pakistan has been able to receive an average of $2.5 billion per month for the last two years. It is an asset as well as a blessing as the country navigates through rise in oil prices and a depreciating rupee.

The PM’s synopsis to appreciate the expatriates is a welcome policy. He has been quite vocal in eulogising their loyalty and contribution. This is why the Constitutional amendment enabling nine million Non-Resident Pakistanis to vote is a major achievement. Valuing and redressing their grievances is a must, in order to make them a part and parcel of a representative rule in Pakistan.

The introduction of electronic voting machines, likewise, will bring an end to rigging and casting of fake votes, as well as those of the deceased — an unfortunate stigma in our public life. The government’s plan to reform the revenue collection on a track and trace system to curb tax evasion is another initiative to buoy the confidence of foreign investors. Thus, the stress is on adaptation of technology to re-orient accessibility and fair play.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2021.

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