In a first, SC grants overseas Pakistanis right to vote in by-polls
- By Web Desk -
- Aug 17, 2018
LAHORE: In a landmark development, the Supreme Court on Friday allowed the Overseas Pakistanis to exercise their right to franchise in the upcoming by-elections.
A bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take necessary measures with the help of Nadra to ensure participation of the Overseas Pakistanis in the by-elections.
The electoral body is to conduct by-elections on seats of the National and provincial assemblies which were vacated by political leaders who returned on more than one seats in the July 25 elections and constituencies where the polls couldn’t be held owing to some reasons.
The bench directed ECP to handle the results of I-voting separately and present them in parliament for necessary approval.
The chief justice congratulated the Pakistanis living abroad on being granted right to franchise.
“The Overseas Pakistanis’ right to vote has been acknowledged,” Justice Nisar observed, instructing that the pilot project of the expats’ right to franchise should be implemented as per the rules and regulations.
The bench directed Nadra to extend full support to the commission in making pilot project a success.