The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the government to formulate a mechanism under which overseas Pakistanis can cast their votes at polling stations set up in Pakistani embassies in various countries.
Hearing a case pertaining to allowing overseas Pakistanis to cast their votes, the Supreme Court directed that Election Commission of Pakistan and ministries of interior and overseas Pakistanis to hold a meeting for formulating a mechanism in this regard. The SC remarked that the country’s foreign missions can used as polling stations and that ballot papers can be provided to respective missions after collecting relevant information about number of voters.
Moreover, overseas voters should themselves send their sealed ballot papers to the Election Commission to avoid any foul play. The court directed that such a mechanism be developed before the elections, adding NADRA and overseas Pakistani ministry should assist the Election Commission in this regard. Supreme Court bench said that according to ECP around 4 million overseas Pakistani have been registered as voters and that registration of others should also be ensured.
The court said that if there is a need to enact a law in this regard then it should do so. The hearing was adjourned till February 22
