The government has decided to reconsider a proposal to allow Pakistani expatriates to vote in national elections and reserve seats for them in the federal and provincial assemblies.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani directed the ministry for overseas Pakistanis to initiate talks with political parties and other stakeholders to evolve a national consensus on the issue.
Talking to The Express Tribune from Karachi, Minister for Overseas Pakistani Dr Farooq Sattar said that the premier had assured him that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence over the matter, adding that he (the prime minister) would hold a meeting with the Election Commission to devise a strategy.
During a meeting with the minister, Gilani is said to have told Sattar that the government recognises the contribution of expatriates to the national economy and wants to compensate them for it.
The proposal was originally made by the MQM when a parliamentary committee was preparing the draft of the 18th amendment. But the all-party commission threw out the proposal without citing a reason. It remains to be seen how the government intends to pursue the matter. Sattar believes a fresh constitutional amendment is required for which all political parties have to be onboard.
Sattar said his ministry had already forwarded a bill, suggesting four seats each for overseas Pakistan in the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2010.
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