Voting right to overseas Pakistanis: SC issues notice to Interior Ministry, Nadra

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday observed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) though get most of its funding from overseas Pakistanis but in the Parliament they had done nothing to legislate law for their right.

A three-bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar heard the case of overseas Pakistanis’ right to vote in the general elections 2018.

The court rejected PTI request to implead party in this case and asked its counsel Anwar Mansoor that they could file separate petition on the issue.

The court issued notices to Ministry of Interior and National Database & Registration Authority (Nadra) regarding voting right to overseas Pakistanis.

Earlier, appearing on notice, Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan Babar Fateh Yoqoob informed that in the by-election they had sought data of voters living abroad from Nadra but it refused. He further informed the court that Ministry of Interior has prepared the software for the voting of overseas Pakistanis.

The petitioners informed that although the Election Act 2017 carries provisions for voting by overseas Pakistan, adding that since the enactment of law, two by-polls held but the ECP made no arrangement.

At this, the Chief Justice said that they may ask the Parliament to provide the record who voted in favour or against the law.

The Chief Justice observed that if the government does not want to give right of vote to overseas Pakistanis then they should informed the court.

He recalled that the apex court had passed judgment in that regard but the government has not yet implemented it in letter and spirit.

At the outset of hearing, the Chief Justice while addressing the Secretary Election Commission said that it was his responsibility to hold free and fair elections.

In this respect, the Chief Justice assured the secretary ECP, full support of the court in holding the free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

Secretary Election Commission however, assured the court to fulfill its constitutional obligation with the pledge that the Commission will not let the entire nation down and will ensure holding of 2018 general elections in free, fair and transparent manner. Later, the court adjourned the hearing until January 23.