ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (Online): Supreme Court (SC) has set aside the objections raised on the petition filed against abolition of right to vote for overseas Pakistanis and ordered the registrar to fix the petition for early hearing.
A two member’s bench of SC comprising Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan and Justice Mazahir Naqvi took up the case for hearing Wednesday.
Sardar Raziq counsel for Sheikh Rashid argued that the right to vote was abolished apparently on the apprehensions of election commission.
Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan remarked fake voting and rigging take place here in the elections too. Law is in place against the rigging. Motorway cannot be closed on occurrence of incident. Will holding the election be stopped for fear of rigging?
Why the election commission does not exercise its powers to stop rigging. It is not correct to abolish the right of vote in respect of overseas Pakistanis instead of allaying the apprehensions. We will review the amendments in the election act when they are in contrary to basic rights.
Foreign exchange is coming in the country due to overseas Pakistanis.
Facilities should be provided to overseas Pakistanis on priority basis.
Even one billion dollars are being sought from financial institutions and friendly countries at present. Overseas Pakistanis remit 30 billion dollars annually to Pakistan. They were told they cannot cast vote.
Overseas Pakistanis are asked they should come to Pakistani through the air ticket if they have to cast vote.
Justice Mazahir Naqvi raised the question is the existing assembly entitled to make amendments with reference to basic rights. The number of members in assembly is far less at present. Overseas Pakistanis send 30 billion dollars without any condition. Modern devices are used in Pakistan. Modern equipment is used in every work then why not in voting.
The court while removing the objections raised by registrar office ordered to fix the petition for hearing soon.
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