Pakistanis living abroad welcomed Islamabad’s move to allow them to be participants in the political fortunes of their country of origin with the grant of the right to vote in general elections.
Prime Minister Imran Khan had long pledged to give Pakistanis the right to vote in elections back home and he has been popular among expatriate communities for his policies spread all over the world.
Today I addressed our envoys in all our missions abroad with a strong message that their priority must be the welfare & well-being of our greatest asset, overseas Pakistanis – especially our hard working labour abroad. Their welfare must take priority.https://t.co/WA7Ah49m9Q
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 5, 2021
After President Dr. Arif Alvi issued an ordinance to grant voting rights to overseas Pakistanis, many among the around 10 million expatriates said they were thrilled to have a voice in the affairs of the country.
Government of Pakistan issues an ordinance allowing Overseas Pakistanis to vote.
Congratulations OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS.
Now your voice will be heard in Pakistani elections.
— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@MirMAKOfficial) May 8, 2021
As per the new amendments, the Election of Commission Pakistan with the technical assistance of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will enable overseas Pakistanis to exercise their right to vote during general elections from their country of residence.
The United States is home to more around 0.6 million Pakistanis, who as Pakistani-Americans contribute to development of both countries and also help advance the bilateral relationship.
Around 5 million Pakistanis have been working in the oil-rich Middle eastern countries, and remain an key source of foreign exchange for the struggling South Asian economy.
