Overseas Pakistanis and Right of Franchise

Over 8 million overseas Pakistanis around the globe contribute greatly to the development of Pakistan by sending foreign exchange back home. They work as good will ambassadors and try their level best to present a better image of their country of origin. They not only take a keen interest in the events unfolding in Pakistan but also try to help in case a need arise.

Unfortunately Overseas Pakistanis have been deprived of exercising their right of franchise. This is a cause of great concern for OP’s as they have no say in the legislative process of Pakistan even if they make a pillar of the economy of Pakistan by sending billion of dollars annually. The electoral process is very important for overseas Pakistanis as well and it has a great influence on the future of their country of origin. An elected assembly void of any voice from overseas Pakistanis can’t be called a true representative assembly of all Pakistanis. Many of the OPs enjoy the benefits of democracy, rule of law and freedom of expression in their country of residence so they want to see Pakistan as a progressive and democratic state where human rights are respected and freedom of expression is ensured. Their votes can make a huge difference as majority of them are politically more aware due to the atmosphere they had experience abroad. Majority of such votes would be valuable as they wouldn’t be based on clan, blind affiliation to a political party or use of direct and indirect pressure but purely on the bases of past performance, political ideology, political stand and manifesto.

Overseas Pakistanis were granted the right to vote only in the 2002 controversial referendum when President Musharraf was seeking extension of his term. The voting had taken place at Pakistani Embassies and consulates in many countries and Election commission made arrangement for it. Unfortunately, the current election commission didn’t do enough for granting the right of franchise for expatriates. Some voices were raised but it seems only a lip service is paid to a reasonable concern of overseas Pakistanis.

Postal ballot seems to be the only viable option for overseas Pakistanis to exercise their right of vote. This looks the simplest in comparison to other modalities of casting the votes. Moreover, as far as representation in parliament is concerned, the concern, thoughts, suggestions and ideas of overseas Pakistanis should reach in parliament irrespective of whether someone among OP’s in person is present in it or not. The votes of OP’s would translate into their voice in Parliament as contestants would have to agree to demands of OP’s to get the votes.

One argument which is presented in defense of election commission’s policy is that Middle Eastern countries are averse to any political activity on their soil and many Pakistanis are residing there. Here questions arise is that why the OP’s in Western world should suffer due to policies of these Authoritarian regimes? Moreover, Pakistanis living is such countries can limit the electioneering according to the law of the land in which they are residing. Postal ballot saves a lot of problems in such case.

Second argument in support of this deprivation of right of franchise to OP’s is that it will divide Pakistani community abroad. This is a lame excuse. Democratic process provides a launching pad to people to organize. Moreover unity doesn’t mean uniformity. People can remain unite while following the diverse political affiliations. Even currently, not all overseas Pakistanis think uniformly about social and political issues of Pakistan but when the concern of Pakistan is in question, all get united for the sake of Pakistan. Efforts of OP’s after catastrophic earthquake of 2005 is a glaring example of unity.

The third argument which holds some weight but not enough to deny the right to vote is that expatriate Pakistanis would be too much involved in politics of their country of origin and will not concentrate on establishing themselves in the countries, they are residing in. It is said that OP’s should participate in local politics to get more representation to solve their local problems and for better integration in foreign lands. Though, there is no disagreement that OP’s should establish themselves politically in foreign lands, participating in politics in Pakistan would in no way become hurdle to such a process. In fact, it will push OP’s to participate in local politics as well because of some kind of political activity they will get involve in. There are other more important reasons for non-integration of Pakistanis is some countries and I would rather stick to the topic.

United States, Britain, Canada and New Zealand and many other countries had already granted the right to vote to their overseas citizens. There is no excuse for Pakistan to deprive its citizen from exercising right of franchise. Our policy makers should take this issue seriously and political parties should offer this right to OP’s in their manifestos.