Islamabad, Jan 23: The Lahore High Court recently initiated proceedings to address the pressing issue of voting rights for overseas Pakistanis. Presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, the court called for a response from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and other relevant parties following a petition filed by the International Lawyers Association.
The petition spotlights the predicament of nearly 10 million Pakistanis living abroad, who currently face disenfranchisement. The counsel for the petitioner argued that this situation constitutes a breach of fundamental rights, as enshrined in the constitution. They stressed the urgent need for the government to formulate legislation that would enable overseas Pakistanis to participate in the electoral process.
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The hearing, which sparked considerable attention, led to the court issuing notices to the federal government among others, and set a follow-up session for early February. This legal challenge highlights a critical debate on inclusivity and the right to democratic participation for citizens, regardless of their location.
The case represents not only a significant constitutional and legal issue but also a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse on how modern democracies should function in an increasingly globalized world. The outcome could set a precedent for how other nations handle similar issues concerning the voting rights of their expatriate communities.