Expats seek voting rights in LG polls

LHC questions federal govt, ECP on failure to facilitate overseas voters

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has once again sought responses from the federal government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding a petition seeking voting rights for overseas Pakistanis in local government elections.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the directive during a hearing on the petition filed by the International Lawyers Association through Advocate Azhar Siddique.

The petitioner requested the court to recognize the right to vote as a fundamental and absolute right of every Pakistani citizen, including those residing abroad, in the upcoming local government elections.

The plea argued that both the ECP and NADRA have failed in their statutory duties to facilitate eligible overseas Pakistanis in exercising their right to vote from their countries of residence.

The petition highlighted that the relationship between a citizen and the State is sacred and reciprocal.

While citizens are held accountable for adhering to this constitutional contract, the State must also fulfill its obligations under the same framework.

It was further argued that the Constitution of Pakistan does not differentiate between overseas Pakistanis and residents, nor can such a distinction be made by the authorities under the law.

Article 51 of the Constitution affirms that all Pakistani citizens, regardless of their locality or residence, are entitled to vote.

The petitioner emphasised that overseas Pakistanis, who form an integral part of the community, should not face discrimination or prejudice from legislative or administrative bodies.

The failure of the ECP and NADRA to implement measures that uphold the constitutional rights of expatriates undermines the State's commitment to fairness and inclusivity.

Globally, 115 countries have mechanisms in place to facilitate overseas voting in national or municipal elections, the petition noted, urging Pakistan to adopt similar practices.