ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has set aside objections raised on petition filed against abolition of right to vote for overseas Pakistanis and ordered registrar to fix petition for early hearing. A two member bench of SC comprising Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan and Justice Mazahir Naqvi took up case for hearing. 

Sardar Raziq counsel for Sheikh Rasheed argued that right to vote was abolished apparently on apprehensions of Election Commission.  Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan remarked fake voting and rigging take place here in elections too. Law is in place against rigging. Motorway cannot be closed on occurrence of incident. Will holding election be stopped for fear of rigging. Why Election Commission does not exercise its powers to stop rigging.

It is not correct to abolish right of vote in respect of overseas Pakistanis instead of allaying apprehensions. We will review amendments in Election Act when they are in contrary to basic rights. Foreign exchange is coming in country due to overseas Pakistanis. Facilities should be provided to overseas Pakistanis on priority basis. Even one billion dollars are being sought from financial institutions and friendly countries at present. Overseas Pakistanis remit 30 billion dollars annually to Pakistan. They were told they cannot cast vote. Overseas Pakistanis are asked they should come to Pakistani through air ticket if they have to cast vote.  Justice Mazahir Naqvi raised question is existing assembly entitled to make amendments with reference to basic rights. Number of members in assembly is far less at present. Overseas Pakistanis send 30 billion dollars without any condition. Modern devices are used in Pakistan. Modern equipment is used in every work then why not in voting.  Court while removing objections raised by registrar office ordered to fix petition for hearing soon. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 25 2022

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