Global footprint: Voting rights for overseas Pakistanis sought

Foreign MPs of Pakistani origin agree to form a forum with its secretariat in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Parliamentarians of Pakistani descent from across the world have demanded the government give overseas Pakistanis the right to vote in elections back home. Addressing a conference held at the National Assembly Secretariat, they also called for making Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad more vibrant and interactive with the Pakistani community.

Parliamentarians of Pakistani origin from Belgium, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand and the United Kingdom attended the conference which evolved a consensus on establishing a ‘Forum of Parliamentarians of Pakistani Origin’ with its secretariat in Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the Pakistani expats elected to legislatures of foreign countries could serve as a bridge between the East and the West portraying the true image of a peaceful, democratic and progressive Pakistan. “Pakistani expatriates are an asset who are equal partners in the progress and prosperity of the country,” he added.



Speaker Sadiq underlined the need for institutionalising and bringing the lawmakers of Pakistani origin on a single platform. He assured them that the incumbent government in Islamabad fully acknowledged their contribution and wanted their active participation in the country’s affairs.

He said Pakistan was facing twin menaces of terrorism and extremism for over a decade, but the Western world was not fully aware of the sacrifices made by the Pakistani people. He called upon the conference participants to help the government quash negative perceptions and rectify the distorted image of Pakistan propagated by the western media.

The visiting parliamentarians appreciated Speaker Sadiq for his initiative and agreed on making a permanent forum which should meet annually to share ideas and best parliamentary practices. They said they live abroad but they are emotionally attached with Pakistan.

They appreciated the participation of Pakistani women in the national political arena. At the same time they suggested tapping the immense youth potential in Pakistan. They offered their services and expertise for development of socio-economic sectors.

Attendees at the conference included Member Canadian Senate Salma Ataullah Jan, Member Norwegian Parliament Chaudhry Khalid Mehmood, Member Welsh National Assembly, UK, Mohammad Asghar, Member Provincial Parliament of Etobicoke, Canada, Shafiq Qadri, Member Parliament of Brussels Capital Region, Belgium, Dr Manzoor Zahoor Ellahi, MP of Kenya Shakeel Shabbir Ahmad, and Dr Ashraf Choudhary, former Member of House of Representatives of New Zealand.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2015.