The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the federal government for formulating a mechanism for overseas Pakistanis so that they can cast votes at polling stations set up in Pakistani embassies in various countries across the globe.
The SC on Thursday resumed the hearing of a case pertaining to allowing overseas Pakistanis to cast their votes and directed that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and ministries of interior and overseas Pakistanis to call a meeting to devise a mechanism in this regard.
The court suggested that the country’s foreign missions can be used as polling stations and that ballot papers can be provided to respective missions after collecting relevant information about number of voters etc.
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 Pakistanis ministry should assist the Election Commission in this regard.
Supreme Court bench said that according to ECP around 4 million overseas Pakistanis 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 Feb 22.