The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to give the right to vote to overseas Pakistani and the decision will be implemented through a presidential ordinance.
According to news reports, the decision was taken in a meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday with Chief Election Commissioner Fakhruddin G Ebrahim in the chair.
Briefing reporters after the meeting‚ ECP Secretary Ishtiak Ahmad said the commission had finalised the draft for the ordinance‚ which would be sent to the Law Ministry within two days.
He said talking to the CEC, the president had expressed reservation over the security of the leadership of political parties and the candidates.
He also directed the CEC to personally ensure that political leaders and candidates contesting the upcoming elections be provided complete security.
Ahmad said the commission had written to the provincial governments asking them to ensure foolproof security for all political leaders as well as the candidates.
He said the ECP will meet on April 25 to finalise the security measures to be taken at polling stations.