"Expats have not been deprived of their right to vote" : Justice Minallah

[MenInG]

The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2022 on Thursday, which seeks to remove the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in general elections as well as disallows overseas Pakistanis from voting.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Murtaza Javed Abbasi presented the bill that was passed with a majority vote.

Before presenting the bill, Abbasi presented a motion for allowing the bill to be sent directly to the Senate for its approval, bypassing the relevant standing committee. The motion was also passed by the NA with a majority vote.

The bill is expected to be sent to the Senate tomorrow.

Debate on election bill

Speaking about the legislation, Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said it was of immense significance.

He recalled the previous PTI government had made multiple amendments to the Election Act, 2017, including those the allowed the use of EVMs and granted overseas Pakistanis the right to vote in general elections.

The PTI government had made the amendments through the Elections (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021, which it had bulldozed through the NA along with 32 other legislations on November 17, 2021.

Tarar said the bill presented today sought to revive the Elections Act, 2017 in the shape prior to those amendments, which would ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

Under the new bill, he said, two amendments were being made to Sections 94 and 103 of the Act, both of which pertain the ECP conducting pilot projects for overseas voting and the use of EVMs.

Section 94 of the Act states that the ECP "may conduct pilot projects for voting by overseas Pakistanis in by-elections to ascertain the technical efficacy, secrecy, security and financial feasibility of such voting and shall share the results with the government, which shall, within 15 days from the commencement of a session of a house after the receipt of the report, lay the same before both jouses of Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament)".

Section 103 of the Act states that the ECP "may conduct pilot projects for the utilisation of electronic voting machines and biometric verification system in by-elections in addition to the existing manual procedures for voter verification, casting and counting of votes to assess the technical efficacy, secrecy, security and financial feasibility of the electronic voting machines and biometric verification system and shall share the results with the government, which shall, within 15 days from the commencement of a session of a house after the receipt of the report, lay the same before both houses of Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament)".

The law minister said the Election Commission of Pakistan had also raised objections to the use of EVMs but clarified that the government was not against the use of technology.

"We only have concerns about the misuse of technology as the Results Transmission System had failed in last general elections to favour a particular political party," he said.

He also dispelled the impression that the amendments were aimed at depriving overseas Pakistanis of their right to vote.

"Overseas Pakistanis are a precious asset of the country and the government does not believe in snatching their right to vote," he said.

Earlier, Opposition Leader in the Nation Assembly Raja Riaz said electronic voting would not be successful in certain parts of the country. "Some areas are still without internet facilities," he said.

GDA lawmaker Ghous Bakhsh Mehr, on the other hand, said that EVMs were being used across the world and Pakistan should at least try using them. "If not the whole country, then use them in some areas," he said.

Jamaat-i-Islami's Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali said that the party had opposed the bill during the previous government's tenure. He added that the opinion of the ECP as well as of political parties should be sought with regards to the bill.

"This bill does not mention the powers of the ECP. It would have been better if the commission was further empowered," he said, reiterating that party heads should be summoned to give their opinion on the bill.

Expenses for upcoming elections
During the session, details of the expenses for the upcoming general elections were also shared.

According to the electoral watchdog's estimates, the elections would cost approximately Rs47.41 billion of which around Rs15bn would be for ensuring security.

The ECP put the cost of conducting electronic voting at Rs5.6bn while printing ballot papers would cost Rs4.83bn. Further, Rs1.79bn would be spent on training polling staff.

Giving a province-wise breakdown, the ECP said it would cost 9.65bn in Punjab, Rs3.65bn in Sindh, Rs3.95bn in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Rs1.11bn in Balochistan.

DAWN

 

[Extra_Cover]

Final 6 day countdown has started. Too much for PDM to do this week.

 

[moghul]

What's next: no more voting right for every educated Pakistani, that's the only way Patwari can win.

 

[Major]

Great decision. Only those who live in the country should vote and have say

Also, if overseas want to blame than blame lies pn pti. Had pti not resigned from NA, they probably wouldnt have the numbers to pass the bill.

Also, dont worry. Anyone interested to vote in my countrys election can hop on a plane, pay the ticket price, come over, and cast their vote. Nothing stopping anyone. But maybe some off us like to be patriotic on social media but cannot shed a few pounds or dollars on ticket for the sake of their leader

 

[Extra_Cover]

What I find really troublesome and difficult to digest is that the blatant thuggery PMLN/PPP and other parties shows to which some posters would even defend. Something that is defenseless can also be defended by these posters. Only yesterday they were defended shelling and using baton force on women. God knows what they will be defending tomorrow. My guess is if a member of NA commits a murder then he should not be held accountable for it. Wait! These posters have even defended that. Not sure what would now be lower than that.

 

[MenInG]

Great decision. Only those who live in the country should vote and have say

Also, if overseas want to blame than blame lies pn pti. Had pti not resigned from NA, they probably wouldnt have the numbers to pass the bill.

Also, dont worry. Anyone interested to vote in my countrys election can hop on a plane, pay the ticket price, come over, and cast their vote. Nothing stopping anyone. But maybe some off us like to be patriotic on social media but cannot shed a few pounds or dollars on ticket for the sake of their leader

This isnt the dark ages.

Voting by those overseas is a normal practice around the world but I suppose it is an issue when it effects the livelihoods of those interested in claiming power so that they can buy properties Overseas - the Sharif clan comes to mind.

 

[mazkhan]

The whole system is rotten and rigged in favour of the crooks and the pullers of their strings the generals.

The only solution is cuban style armed revolution and significant mutiny of rank and file army troops.

 

[Major]

This isnt the dark ages.

Voting by those overseas is a normal practice around the world but I suppose it is an issue when it effects the livelihoods of those interested in claiming power so that they can buy properties Overseas - the Sharif clan comes to mind.

for first world countries it makes sense as they go abroad with intentions of coming back. Pakistan is other way around.

Anyways, they can still vote by returning to the country.

Had PTI not resigned from the NA, they would had not found themselves in such a situation as the previous bill was passed, this one over ruled it

 

[Major]

The whole system is rotten and rigged in favour of the crooks and the pullers of their strings the generals.

The only solution is cuban style armed revolution and significant mutiny of rank and file army troops.

how so? The same system existed when PTI was selected in 2018. There has been no change. If its rigged in favour of the crooked than were the 2018 elections rigged in favour of the crooked?

 

[Mamoon]

Excellent decision.

Overseas Pakistanis are not loyal to Pakistan, they are loyal to their foreign passports. They have no right to vote because they are living and working outside Pakistan by choice.

However, I would have enfranchised the poor laborers in the gulf countries. These people were below the breadline in Pakistan and had to leave to earn a living.

They have no security in these gulf countries because they don’t have citizenship. They can get deported any time and unlike the other overseas Pakistanis, they have no security blanket. They deserve to vote and play a part in choosing the government.

But those overseas Pakistanis who are doing high-paying jobs in the west, you have made your decision - if you truly loved Pakistan and cared for it’s future, you would have returned to serve the country but you don’t care so therefore, you do not deserve to have voting rights.

Before 2018, the excuse was we cannot return to Pakistan because of corrupt leadership. However, none of them returned in 3.5 years of Imran rule.

 

[IAJ]

Let them enjoy this as long as this lasts.

PTI will win the next election easily even if overseas Pakistanis are not allowed to vote.

 

[Major]

Excellent decision.

Overseas Pakistanis are not loyal to Pakistan, they are loyal to their foreign passports. They have no right to vote because they are living and working outside Pakistan by choice.

However, I would have enfranchised the poor laborers in the gulf countries. These people were below the breadline in Pakistan and had to leave to earn a living.

They have no security in these gulf countries because they don’t have citizenship. They can get deported any time and unlike the other overseas Pakistanis, they have no security blanket. They deserve to vote and play a part in choosing the government.

But those overseas Pakistanis who are doing high-paying jobs in the west, you have made your decision - if you truly loved Pakistan and cared for it’s future, you would have returned to serve the country but you don’t care so therefore, you do not deserve to have voting rights.

Before 2018, the excuse was we cannot return to Pakistan because of corrupt leadership. However, none of them returned in 3.5 years of Imran rule.

many of them claim that they donate and send money back home to "help the country"

My question is, if you are sending 500-600 pounds, and are a PTI fan, than why not instead of sending that money, buy a plane ticket against that money. Come to Pakistan and vote. By voting they can actually "help the country".

Maybe its easier to support on social media than to walk the talk i guess

 

[Syed1]

Let them enjoy this as long as this lasts.

PTI will win the next election easily even if overseas Pakistanis are not allowed to vote.

Exactly this is literally the first thing that PTI will fix when looters and plunderers are removed.

 

[Mamoon]

Let them enjoy this as long as this lasts.

PTI will win the next election easily even if overseas Pakistanis are not allowed to vote.

Youthopian delusion.

Military will never allow Imran to become the PM again. They learned their lesson. Once bitten, twice shy.

 

[Mamoon]

What's next: no more voting right for every educated Pakistani, that's the only way Patwari can win.

As a highly respected and qualified doctor with experience in the American healthcare, you can easily come back to Pakistan and get employed at a very high position. You will also be able to vote and play a part in shaping the future of this country.

So what do you think?

 

[IAJ]

many of them claim that they donate and send money back home to "help the country"

My question is, if you are sending 500-600 pounds, and are a PTI fan, than why not instead of sending that money, buy a plane ticket against that money. Come to Pakistan and vote. By voting they can actually "help the country".

Maybe its easier to support on social media than to walk the talk i guess

What a weak and poor argument. You are living in 21st century. When you can do both things why only restrict them to one?

If you can send 500-600 pounds back home you are doing a great job, had you been living in Pakistan you would not be able to help so many people. I am surprised some so called 'padhe likhe' here fail to understand simple factors.

You have 2 options;

1) Loot your own country and buy properties abroad
2) You live abroad and send money back to your own country

And I am sure I know which option you and people like you here would select.

You just want give 'hardships' to overseas Pakistani just to feel good yourself. Get a life please and enjoy it instead of wishing bad for others.

 

[Major]

What a weak and poor argument. You are living in 21st century. When you can do both things why only restrict them to one?

If you can send 500-600 pounds back home you are doing a great job, had you been living in Pakistan you would not be able to help so many people. I am surprised some so called 'padhe likhe' here fail to understand simple factors.

You have 2 options;

1) Loot your own country and buy properties abroad
2) You live abroad and send money back to your own country

And I am sure I know which option you and people like you here would select.

You just want give 'hardships' to overseas Pakistani just to feel good yourself. Get a life please and enjoy it instead of wishing bad for others.

funny how you use the argument of 21st century when voting is stilll done not from home but by going to a center.

Depends for what purpose you sending that 500-600 pounds. If it is to help the country, than you can buy a ticket and help the country by actually travelling and voting.

Or if you admit its not sent with the intention of helping the country, than dont go around saying we are helping hte country or doing it a service by sending money.

Funny how you claim that making money in Pakistan is equal to looting, while making money abroad is halal no matter what. Than you ask for voting rights.............

 

[Pakpak]

Rats like Nawaz sitting overseas and calling cabinet meetings or Noon having iqamays and being in gov is all halal though

 

[Double Trouble]

What next overseas Pakistanis will have to send money to loved ones via the Sharif or Zardari accounts otherwise no money can come into the country.

Very dark days coming up for Pakistan pray Allah makes it easy on us all.

 

[Itachi]

Overseas Pakistanis don't need face any repercussions regardless whom they choose (or little in comparison to native ones). Hence it makes sense that voting rights shouldn't be given to them. If one "really" cared about that much for the country, he or she would have stayed back and try to improve the country by remaining in the system.

Sending money to relatives isn't a progress for the system.

 

[Kianig89]

With this move PmLN and PPp lost a major overseas support majority of them are against this decision

 

[Rajdeep]

India also dont allow overseas folks to vote in their internal election. And I think it is the correct approach. As a NRI, I can have political opinion as to which party I support back home. But since my livelihood is not directly dependent on Indian govt's performance, I think its only fair that I dont have the right to vote. Allowing overseas contingent to vote dilutes an election and it is kind of unfair to the people living there. A govt should not be dependent on outside people's vote to win an election anway.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Itachi]

With this move PmLN and PPp lost a major overseas support majority of them are against this decision

PTI will lose more. So it's still beneficial for them.

 

[Technics 1210]

Overseas Pakistanis are not allowed to vote, but indigenous Pakistans are desperate to flee Pakistan because they do not want to vote.

Got it.

 

[RajBan]

The concept of dual citizen in matters of voting is always dicy. There is a conflict of interest, as such the individual should be elligible to cast vote only for the country where he considers himself to be the primary citizen, that can be either of resident country or land of birth but not both. He has no right then to vote for constitutional matters for the other country regardless of how much money he remits or how much more educated he is than the citizens of that land.

 

[khanz141]

patwari logic: oversees Pakistanis can't vote, but our 'Supremo' can sit outside and dictate from London.

I am more worried about the EVMs taken back. The only reason this is done is so that rigging can continue. All of the reforms done by PTI to advance the country out of the rigged system has been pushed backwards again for the benefits of few individuals.

 

[Bewal Express]

Excellent decision.

Overseas Pakistanis are not loyal to Pakistan, they are loyal to their foreign passports. They have no right to vote because they are living and working outside Pakistan by choice.

However, I would have enfranchised the poor laborers in the gulf countries. These people were below the breadline in Pakistan and had to leave to earn a living.

They have no security in these gulf countries because they don’t have citizenship. They can get deported any time and unlike the other overseas Pakistanis, they have no security blanket. They deserve to vote and play a part in choosing the government.

But those overseas Pakistanis who are doing high-paying jobs in the west, you have made your decision - if you truly loved Pakistan and cared for it’s future, you would have returned to serve the country but you don’t care so therefore, you do not deserve to have voting rights.

Before 2018, the excuse was we cannot return to Pakistan because of corrupt leadership. However, none of them returned in 3.5 years of Imran rule.

It will make no difference because your pathetic losers with no principles,no morals and no support will get smashed. As soon as Kaptaan wins he will change the law, and call another election. Your humilation is complete, the election is coming.

 

[Bewal Express]

many of them claim that they donate and send money back home to "help the country"

My question is, if you are sending 500-600 pounds, and are a PTI fan, than why not instead of sending that money, buy a plane ticket against that money. Come to Pakistan and vote. By voting they can actually "help the country".

Maybe its easier to support on social media than to walk the talk i guess

Unless your chacha is going to provide the $30bn,where do see the money coming from. Your happy for BB, Billo and Daadg to steal the dollars but you don't like the guys that bring them in. Anyways don't celebrate too quickly, there will be a SC decision on this. And the law still has to be signed by Arif Alvi

 

[Major]

Unless your chacha is going to provide the $30bn,where do see the money coming from. Your happy for BB, Billo and Daadg to steal the dollars but you don't like the guys that bring them in. Anyways don't celebrate too quickly, there will be a SC decision on this. And the law still has to be signed by Arif Alvi

Bring proof that bilawal is corrupt or else dont make useless allegations.

Anyways, atleast i can vote in my country

 

[Kianig89]

Bring proof that bilawal is corrupt or else dont make useless allegations.

Anyways, atleast i can vote in my country

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...kQFnoECEoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw39gfPtXJArcJD1CvdvfKDn

 

[Major]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...kQFnoECEoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw39gfPtXJArcJD1CvdvfKDn

This case is against zardari, faryal and arif habib of hbl. Infact, verdict hasnt been even given out yet and that too against bilawal

 

[KingKhanWC]

Too late by the Chor government.

PTI doesnt need overseas Pakistanis now the people in Pakistan have seen this crooked comical show.

Its best for Nawaz, his dumb daughter, Zardari and his camp son to run with as much money as they can.

 

[Bewal Express]

Bring proof that bilawal is corrupt or else dont make useless allegations.

Anyways, atleast i can vote in my country

So Billo is standing on his 2 feet. This guy can't piddle without help.

 

[Major]

Too late by the Chor government.

PTI doesnt need overseas Pakistanis now the people in Pakistan have seen this crooked comical show.

Its best for Nawaz, his dumb daughter, Zardari and his camp son to run with as much money as they can.

you would had made sense if we elected head of state on popular vote. Overseas not getting to vote means that ECP doesnt have to create specific overseas constituency, thus, no specific overseas MNAs would exists. Every single MNA matters.

The reason why PTI was removed from govt was only because the opposition had 2-3 mnas more.

 

[KingKhanWC]

you would had made sense if we elected head of state on popular vote. Overseas not getting to vote means that ECP doesnt have to create specific overseas constituency, thus, no specific overseas MNAs would exists. Every single MNA matters.

The reason why PTI was removed from govt was only because the opposition had 2-3 mnas more.

PTI will have many more in the next election. Pakistans economy is going down the toilet since the imports came into power. Its not overseas Pakistanis who will feel this but those who live in the land. In 12 months time they will vote in huge numbers to ensure the final nail in the coffin of these corrupt, criminal families parading as politic dynasties.

 

[Varun]

Don't most overseas Pakistanis live in the likes of KSA, UAE etc?

Those folks - in addition to being more numerous - also carry a different mentality than the 'louder' Pakistanis you find online (eg: American Pakistanis) and will most likely vote for parties like the PML-N and PPP.

So can't understand this move from the current PML-N/PPP government.

 

[JaDed]

Don't most overseas Pakistanis live in the likes of KSA, UAE etc?

Those folks - in addition to being more numerous - also carry a different mentality than the 'louder' Pakistanis you find online (eg: American Pakistanis) and will most likely vote for parties like the PML-N and PPP.

So can't understand this move from the current PML-N/PPP government.

I don’t think so, outside a mosque in KSA they were against PML.. a video shared here.

 

[Varun]

I don’t think so, outside a mosque in KSA they were against PML.. a video shared here.

Sure, I didn't say 100% Pakistanis in KSA are for the PPP/PML-N.

 

[Browncaps]

funny how you use the argument of 21st century when voting is stilll done not from home but by going to a center.

Depends for what purpose you sending that 500-600 pounds. If it is to help the country, than you can buy a ticket and help the country by actually travelling and voting.

Or if you admit its not sent with the intention of helping the country, than dont go around saying we are helping hte country or doing it a service by sending money.

Funny how you claim that making money in Pakistan is equal to looting, while making money abroad is halal no matter what. Than you ask for voting rights.............

So Pakistan has already suffered losses as even after PMLN and PPP corruption was proven and foreign countries agreed to return their looted money to Pakistan, which never occurred thanks to NRO, you now want for the sake of proven thieves and traitors, that overseas Pakistanis should bear even more loss just for 2 families and travel to Pakistan to vote?

 

[Hextro]

Don't most overseas Pakistanis live in the likes of KSA, UAE etc?

Those folks - in addition to being more numerous - also carry a different mentality than the 'louder' Pakistanis you find online (eg: American Pakistanis) and will most likely vote for parties like the PML-N and PPP.

So can't understand this move from the current PML-N/PPP government.

Pakistanis that live in the Gulf are notoriously strong PTI supporters. I would go as was as to say that America probably has more PDM supporters than the Gulf.

 

[Itachi]

Pakistanis that live in the Gulf are notoriously strong PTI supporters. I would go as was as to say that America probably has more PDM supporters than the Gulf.

So the more educated Pakistanis in US supports PDM where as living in rest of the world Pakistanis (who are more prone to brainwash) are supporting PTI?

 

[Hextro]

So the more educated Pakistanis in US supports PDM where as living in rest of the world Pakistanis (who are more prone to brainwash) are supporting PTI?

Nope, most Pakistanis even in the US support PTI. I said that in comparison with the Gulf the US has more PDM supporters, but PDM supporters are still greatly outnumbered by PTI supporters even in the US. Out of 100 you would find 70 to 80 PTI supporters in the US.

India is probably the only country foreign in the world that has more PDM supporters than PTI supporters.

 

[Itachi]

Nope, most Pakistanis even in the US support PTI. I said that in comparison with the Gulf the US has more PDM supporters, but PDM supporters are still greatly outnumbered by PTI supporters even in the US. Out of 100 you would find 70 to 80 PTI supporters in the US.

India is probably the only country foreign in the world that has more PDM supporters than PTI supporters.

Well, PTI has made Pakistan as a slave to China which goes against the interest of us. PDM seems to keep distance more and hence keeps integrity of Pakistan (in terms of master slave relationship).

Pakistan as a colony of China is dangerous to India.

As an independent country, it's not that much of a threat and both can exist harmoniously. So it's natural.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Well, PTI has made Pakistan as a slave to China which goes against the interest of us. PDM seems to keep distance more and hence keeps integrity of Pakistan (in terms of master slave relationship).

Pakistan as a colony of China is dangerous to India.

As an independent country, it's not that much of a threat and both can exist harmoniously. So it's natural.

Good to know India supports PDM. Afterall Nawaz and Modi are brothers in hand. When is Modi inviting Nawaz for events?

Btw, thanks for clarification that India supports PDM.

 

[Itachi]

Good to know India supports PDM. Afterall Nawaz and Modi are brothers in hand. When is Modi inviting Nawaz for events?

Btw, thanks for clarification that India supports PDM.

That's my perspective. Other Indians may disagree.

 

[Extra_Cover]

On topic. This was expected. I'm just surprised with total shamelessness the PDM is proceeding with its interest after knowing all well that in today's social media world the news travels fast and travels to remote places too. I'm very certain that these parties know they would not be in a position to do anything after next elections as Imran would be sweeping next elections so all these changes are being done for personal interest alone. PDM members know they currently have power so they have to make it count and make as many personal legislations as possible. To a point they have already conceded next elections and would want to maximise this tenure as much as they can.

Side note. Personally speaking elections are happening in Sep/Oct this year and within early June itself you'd see Hamza gone from Punjab assembly and Shahbaz would be asked to take confidence vote which he would not take and after dragging the timeline on it he would dissolve the assembly.

 

[Itachi]

On topic. This was expected. I'm just surprised with total shamelessness the PDM is proceeding with its interest after knowing all well that in today's social media world the news travels fast and travels to remote places too. I'm very certain that these parties know they would not be in a position to do anything after next elections as Imran would be sweeping next elections so all these changes are being done for personal interest alone. PDM members know they currently have power so they have to make it count and make as many personal legislations as possible. To a point they have already conceded next elections and would want to maximise this tenure as much as they can.

Side note. Personally speaking elections are happening in Sep/Oct this year and within early June itself you'd see Hamza gone from Punjab assembly and Shahbaz would be asked to take confidence vote which he would not take and after dragging the timeline on it he would dissolve the assembly.

Barring overseas nationals from voting isn't illegal. Many countries have taken this route.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Barring overseas nationals from voting isn't illegal. Many countries have taken this route.

Where have I said its illegal? You have quoted me so you can highlight the part where I said its "illegal".

 

[Hextro]

Well, PTI has made Pakistan as a slave to China which goes against the interest of us. PDM seems to keep distance more and hence keeps integrity of Pakistan (in terms of master slave relationship).

Pakistan as a colony of China is dangerous to India.

As an independent country, it's not that much of a threat and both can exist harmoniously. So it's natural.

You are going completely off topic. If you want to discuss Pakistan foreign relations then make another thread, in the meantime stop derailing threads with your reparative outrage.

 

[Extra_Cover]

On topic. PDM holding a press conference right now that overseas parties were consulted before making this decision. Why would you make a false claim if you would not be backing this up? Another reminder on a Friday afternoon. Lie is a massive sin.

 

[oatmeal]

How would overseas voting work in a parliamentary democracy? People have moved out of their original constituencies so under which election would their votes be counted?

 

[Major]

How would overseas voting work in a parliamentary democracy? People have moved out of their original constituencies so under which election would their votes be counted?

Good question, this is something the overseas fail to understand. To them poopular vote gets a pm elected.

In parliamentary govt, they would have to make 2-3 NA seats. Provincial seats not possible. Now the issues with that NA seat would be that, that MNA would be the most useless mna. He cant really do anything for the overseas and would just act as extra voting power for the govt or opposition. It would create a mess.

Thus, we dont need such bills. Maybe in a presidential system it might had worked where legislature is seperate

 

[MenInG]

The Senate passed two crucial bills, the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2022 and the National Accountability (Second Amendment) Bill 2021 on Friday, a day after they sailed through the National Assembly.

The bills that were passed by the lower house yesterday sought to reverse changes made in the election laws by the previous PTI government regarding the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and i-voting for overseas Pakistanis and clipping the vast powers of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Today, they were presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Murtaza Javed Abbasi and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, respectively, in the Senate.

The bills were presented amid talks about the possibility of early elections in the country and a day after PTI chairman Imran Khan abruptly ended his long march by giving a six-day deadline to the government to announce the election date.

After their approval from both houses, only the president's assent is required for them to become law.

When Abbasi presented the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2022 amid chants of "no, no" from the opposition, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani asked whether the bill should be sent to the relevant committee.

Tarar replied that the committee had already approved the bill. He clarified that overseas Pakistanis had not been deprived of their right to vote.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had been asked to ensure voting rights while assuring secrecy, he told the upper house of parliament.

"The ECP said we will not be able to conduct elections [using electronic voting machines]. The Election Commission should ensure overseas Pakistanis can vote."

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Dr Shahzad Waseem, said the opposition would not allow anyone to "rob" overseas Pakistanis of their right to vote or compromise on the use of EVMs.

At this point, Tarar noted that former science minister Senator Shibli Faraz and former railways minister Azam Swati were part of the Senate panel that had approved the bill.

However, Faraz said the government was trying to give the impression that the bill was acceptable to him, which was based on "mala fide intentions".

"Votes were equal in the committee [meeting] during which the bill was considered," he said and added that the Election Commission's objections were "just a piece of paper that has no value".

Following Faraz's response, the opposition members started sloganeering again.

Subsequently, the Senate chairman asked whether the bill should be sent to the committee but the majority of the members answered in the negative.

Thereafter, the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2022 was passed by the Senate.

The Senate session once again witnessed shouting as opposition members chanted slogans of "imported government" and "no to NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance)".

Later during the session, Tarar presented the National Accountability (Second Amendment) Bill 2021 which was also passed.

The session was adjourned till 4pm on Monday.

Election laws
Under the amendment to Section 94 of the Election Act of 2017, the ECP may conduct pilot projects for voting by overseas Pakistanis in by-elections to ascertain the technical efficacy, secrecy, security and financial feasibility of such voting and shall share the results with the government, which shall, within 15 days from the commencement of a session of a house after the receipt of the report, lay the same before both houses of parliament.

Under the amendment to Section 103 of the Election Act, the ECP may conduct pilot projects to utilise EVMs and the biometric verification system in by-elections.

Dawn

 

[oatmeal]

Good question, this is something the overseas fail to understand. To them poopular vote gets a pm elected.

In parliamentary govt, they would have to make 2-3 NA seats. Provincial seats not possible. Now the issues with that NA seat would be that, that MNA would be the most useless mna. He cant really do anything for the overseas and would just act as extra voting power for the govt or opposition. It would create a mess.

Thus, we dont need such bills. Maybe in a presidential system it might had worked where legislature is seperate

The separate seats is the most practical way to give voting rights.

Another alternative is to count the votes under constituency they last lived in. But then sending hundreds of different ballots to each person is a logistical nightmare.

 

[MenInG]

When UK/US nationals live outside their countries, they still take part in their country's voting process. This is normal. Why is there such a huge issue in Pakistan? Whether I vote from Lagos or Karachi, as long as I am a Pakistani national, I should be able to do so.

Problem is that due to Pakistan's economic issues there is a LARGE number of Pakistanis abroad. But that is what it is. Why can they not vote? Why must they sit on a plane, spend money (which they can send to their families in Pakistan) and cast their vote in Pakistan when technology allows us to do that from their residences outside Pakistan?

 

[Major]

The separate seats is the most practical way to give voting rights.

Another alternative is to count the votes under constituency they last lived in. But then sending hundreds of different ballots to each person is a logistical nightmare.

They cant determine constituencies as most nicop have foreign address on them.

The point is, even if they get representation in legislation, that mna will be the most usless mna ever as he cant really do anything for overseas as overseas pakistans live by the laws of their respective country.

Just for the sake of executive, we vant mess with legislative.

Overseas are not that important that ecp wastes its time on this and pakistan change its constitution where legislature and executive are made seperate interms of election.

 

[oatmeal]

When UK/US nationals live outside their countries, they still take part in their country's voting process. This is normal. Why is there such a huge issue in Pakistan? Whether I vote from Lagos or Karachi, as long as I am a Pakistani national, I should be able to do so.

Problem is that due to Pakistan's economic issues there is a LARGE number of Pakistanis abroad. But that is what it is. Why can they not vote? Why must they sit on a plane, spend money (which they can send to their families in Pakistan) and cast their vote in Pakistan when technology allows us to do that from their residences outside Pakistan?

The number of people voting abroad is very low in UK/US as most don't migrate in developing countries.

And in UK elections are administered at the council level but I think Pakistan elections are administered centrally by the ECP. Even in UK they encourage people to vote proxy rather than postal to avoid logistics issues

 

[MenInG]

The number of people voting abroad is very low in UK/US as most don't migrate in developing countries.

And in UK elections are administered at the council level but I think Pakistan elections are administered centrally by the ECP. Even in UK they encourage people to vote proxy rather than postal to avoid logistics issues

I agree but the principle is the same.

If you are a Citizen, you can vote regardless of where you live in the world!

 

[MenInG]

Three PPP senators -- Raza Rabbani, Farooq H Naek and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar -- on Friday did not vote on two significant legislation -- the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and the National Accountability (Second Amendment) Bill 2021 – despite their presence in the upper house of parliament.

However, the two bills were passed, a day after they were cleared by the lower house of parliament.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Senator Naek confirmed that they did not vote on the two bills related to amendments to the accountability law and electoral reforms as they have some reservations. However, he expressed his inability to share further details.

Read more: Govt closer to electoral reforms after Senate passes amended bill

It has been learnt that these senators believed that there should have been a much broader legislation on electoral reforms rather than reversing the amendments made by previous government.

Sources told The Express Tribune that these senators also believed that the amendments to the accountability law should be made to address the grievances of the public at large and it could no longer be used for victimisation.

Also read: Govt plans to 'dodge' president for approval of Elections Amendment Bill

Senator Naek’s bill on amendments to the accountability law is already pending in the Senate committee.

Political analysts believe that there should be consensus on the legislation related to the accountability law as well as electoral reforms. They say that the coalition government should also try to engage with the PTI on both the laws.


https://tribune.com.pk/story/235861...ing-on-electoral-reforms-nab-law-tweaks-bills

 

[Syed1]

Allah has blessed us with enough Alhumdulilah. As soon as the date of elections are announced will book a flight. All 10 votes in our family of parents, siblings and spouses will go to PTI. Rok sako tu rok lo.


Glad that we earned our living through halal means and not through corruption unlike some on here, and we stand with a man who is incorruptible.

 

[JaDed]

Nope, most Pakistanis even in the US support PTI. I said that in comparison with the Gulf the US has more PDM supporters, but PDM supporters are still greatly outnumbered by PTI supporters even in the US. Out of 100 you would find 70 to 80 PTI supporters in the US.

India is probably the only country foreign in the world that has more PDM supporters than PTI supporters.

And no other country’s leader or opposition praises Modi like Imran Khan..

 

[JaDed]

Good to know India supports PDM. Afterall Nawaz and Modi are brothers in hand. When is Modi inviting Nawaz for events?

Btw, thanks for clarification that India supports PDM.

If he says India is a supapowa will you take his word that easily as well? Or is it only for such generalization?

 

[JaDed]

That's my perspective. Other Indians may disagree.

Majority Indians don’t even know the Pm of Pakistan… let alone “PDM”.. even in India IK is more famous and probably supported over the Shariffs/Bhuttos who are similar to Gandhis

Heck Fawad (Chaudhary and Khan)are probably much more famous than their current PM.

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

Excellent decision.

Overseas Pakistanis are not loyal to Pakistan, they are loyal to their foreign passports. They have no right to vote because they are living and working outside Pakistan by choice.

However, I would have enfranchised the poor laborers in the gulf countries. These people were below the breadline in Pakistan and had to leave to earn a living.

They have no security in these gulf countries because they don’t have citizenship. They can get deported any time and unlike the other overseas Pakistanis, they have no security blanket. They deserve to vote and play a part in choosing the government.

But those overseas Pakistanis who are doing high-paying jobs in the west, you have made your decision - if you truly loved Pakistan and cared for it’s future, you would have returned to serve the country but you don’t care so therefore, you do not deserve to have voting rights.

Before 2018, the excuse was we cannot return to Pakistan because of corrupt leadership. However, none of them returned in 3.5 years of Imran rule.

Bring the same energy when you begging for our remittances .

 

[Browncaps]

Good question, this is something the overseas fail to understand. To them poopular vote gets a pm elected.

In parliamentary govt, they would have to make 2-3 NA seats. Provincial seats not possible. Now the issues with that NA seat would be that, that MNA would be the most useless mna. He cant really do anything for the overseas and would just act as extra voting power for the govt or opposition. It would create a mess.

Thus, we dont need such bills. Maybe in a presidential system it might had worked where legislature is seperate

So you are accepting all overseas support PTI, good to see.

Also, as Ibrahim Raja rightly said, even if 25 elections are held ppp will not win in Punjab, their level is to win seats in some parts of Sindh only by preventing people from being educated and forcing them to vote for thugs. Wonder why Mr 10% is forcing his best friends from pmln to delay the elections to next year, his auqat will remain the same.

 

[Major]

So you are accepting all overseas support PTI, good to see.

Also, as Ibrahim Raja rightly said, even if 25 elections are held ppp will not win in Punjab, their level is to win seats in some parts of Sindh only by preventing people from being educated and forcing them to vote for thugs. Wonder why Mr 10% is forcing his best friends from pmln to delay the elections to next year, his auqat will remain the same.

no one denies the overseas support of pti. Now you can try to derive any meaning you want from this, that overseas are smart or etc.... But i have the power to cast my vote for whom I want.

In politics there is a concept of surviving, you dont need to be at the center of helms all the time. As long as you survive and keep yourself relevant you are powerful.

PPP can stay a provincial party for now, but being the oldest party in the country, they know how to do politics. Plus, Zardari is now a part of the establishment itself. They gather enough seats in National assembly and Senate aswell which is very important in parliamentary govt due to passing of bills.

PMLN has more seats than PPP, no doubt about that, but even PMLN had to go to PPP for help and were being dictated by Zardari even though his party currently stands third.

Survive for a few years, keep enough seats and than later fight for center.

Also, elections have not been delayed. I dont know from where you get this info, no election is being delayed. According to the constitution we have elections every 5 years after which we elect MNAs.

 

[Hextro]

And no other country’s leader or opposition praises Modi like Imran Khan..

I don't know what that has to do with my point... Besides didn't Imran Khan compare Modi with Hitler? I wouldn't call that praise and I hope you don't either.

 

[Browncaps]

no one denies the overseas support of pti. Now you can try to derive any meaning you want from this, that overseas are smart or etc.... But i have the power to cast my vote for whom I want.

In politics there is a concept of surviving, you dont need to be at the center of helms all the time. As long as you survive and keep yourself relevant you are powerful.

PPP can stay a provincial party for now, but being the oldest party in the country, they know how to do politics. Plus, Zardari is now a part of the establishment itself. They gather enough seats in National assembly and Senate aswell which is very important in parliamentary govt due to passing of bills.

PMLN has more seats than PPP, no doubt about that, but even PMLN had to go to PPP for help and were being dictated by Zardari even though his party currently stands third.

Survive for a few years, keep enough seats and than later fight for center.

Also, elections have not been delayed. I dont know from where you get this info, no election is being delayed. According to the constitution we have elections every 5 years after which we elect MNAs.

ppp also has the record for playing a starring role in breaking Pakistan so agree with the survival point but I'm not sure of how ppp will perform a miracle by winning in punjab next year.

If you see your hero Bilawals behaviour I think it is quite apparent pmln are dictating to ppp, I'm sure even if you never bring it up, you know what pmln did to attack ppp and Benazir, so this reflects poorly on ppp.

In my opinion, army will keep him at a distance as his famous comments before hiding overseas cannot be forgotten by anyone with self respect.

If you view non-PDM supporting journalists and experts views, they unanimously agree that ppp do not look like winning general elections in the future.

I literally read the word ''delayed'' in Dawn which you repeatedly praised on here, point is when like you repeatedly wrote in the post I am tagging, pmln is the bigger party in the imported gov, them and PTI want elections, then Zardari lacks in importance when trying to have pmln delay them for an year. Your point about 5 years is true, but it has been rendered as semantics.

 

[JaDed]

I don't know what that has to do with my point... Besides didn't Imran Khan compare Modi with Hitler? I wouldn't call that praise and I hope you don't either.

No all his new recent tweets in praise of India never has anyone praised Modi that much.

Even Modi’s PR managers must be happy right now.

 

[Hextro]

No all his new recent tweets in praise of India never has anyone praised Modi that much.

Even Modi’s PR managers must be happy right now.

When someone says "even this guy is doing a better job than you" it really isn't as much a compliment as it is an insult to his competitors. Basically, Imran Khan is talking along the lines of "Even India has managed to do the obvious and import fuel from Russia".

Again being called Hitler isn't a thing most people consider a compliment.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan’s remittances :<br>9.94 % of GDP<br>World average remittances based on average of 174 countries : 5.15 % of GDP<br><br>Countries with voting rights for expats :<br>115 out of 214 <br><br>Yet <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OverseasPakistanis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OverseasPakistanis</a> have been waiting for 75 years to be treated equal !<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OverseasVoting?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OverseasVoting</a> <a href="https://t.co/lL566U2qpH">pic.twitter.com/lL566U2qpH</a></p>— Sayed Z Bukhari (@sayedzbukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/sayedzbukhari/status/1530197608547102721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Itachi]

I think overseas Pakistanis should stop sending remittances since they believe it's their "right" to vote from overseas "in return"

Should sending remittance be a criteria to earn voting rights?

I don't think so.

A person living in the system where he or she gets affected by it with every decision the system in comparison to someone overseas earning in a different system while sending a share to home has big difference.

The former should earn more rights than the latter.

 

[MenInG]

I think overseas Pakistanis should stop sending remittances since they believe it's their "right" to vote from overseas "in return"

Should sending remittance be a criteria to earn voting rights?

I don't think so.

A person living in the system where he or she gets affected by it with every decision the system in comparison to someone overseas earning in a different system while sending a share to home has big difference.

The former should earn more rights than the latter.

It is not unheard of for people to leave a country to work elsewhere and then to vote in their home country's elections - its a done thing and happens in many countries around the world.

The problem with Pakistan situation is that there is an unusually high number of expats who the Government in power is scared of. So they are moving the goal posts.

 

[Mamoon]

Bring the same energy when you begging for our remittances .

Overseas Pakistanis do not send money to Pakistan to help the economy; they send money to help their families. The positive impact that it has on the economy is not the intention of their action.

In addition, this remittance is mostly a first or at best a second generation thing. If you or your parents move out of Pakistan, you will have enough affiliation with your family back home to send them money.

However, your children and their children in the future will not have the same sentiments about Pakistan and their families back home. With each generation, they will continue to become more and more detached from Pakistan.

Overseas Pakistanis who pretend that they love Pakistan and are extremely patriotic close their eyes to the fact that by settling abroad, they are ensuring that their future generations, their bloodline, will have nothing to do with Pakistan. Is this their contribution to Pakistan? What a shame.

Overseas Pakistanis are a deluded lot. They think they are doing a great service to Pakistan by sending money but this is the least that they can do for leaving the country and taking their skills, knowledge and expertise to serve another country.

The doctors, engineers, accountants etc. who left Pakistan to work in the west are in debt to Pakistan and the least that they can do is to send money back home to repay the death.

Remittance is not a favor, it is their duty. They are obliged to do this.

Overseas Pakistanis do not love Pakistan. What they love is their foreign passports and the $, £ and € that they earn. What they love is the security blanket that their foreign passports provide.

Call their bluff and ask them to choose between Pakistani citizenship and the foreign citizenship and they will happily discard the Pakistani citizenship. That is the worth of their love and patriotism for Pakistan.

This is why dual passport holders should not have voting rights. If you really care about Pakistan and its future then give up your foreign citizenship and come back to Pakistan and serve the country.

As far as voting rights are concerned, they should be reserved for the poor laborers in gulf countries and not the fake Pakistanis carrying American, Canadian, UK passports.

Those in the gulf countries send the biggest chuck of the remittance to Pakistan anyway, and they do not have dual passports and the security and benefits that it provides.

 

[MenInG]

Overseas Pakistanis do not send money to Pakistan to help the economy; they send money to help their families. The positive impact that it has on the economy is not the intention of their action.

In addition, this remittance is mostly a first or at best a second generation thing. If you or your parents move out of Pakistan, you will have enough affiliation with your family back home to send them money.

However, your children and their children in the future will not have the same sentiments about Pakistan and their families back home. With each generation, they will continue to become more and more detached from Pakistan.

Overseas Pakistanis who pretend that they love Pakistan and are extremely patriotic close their eyes to the fact that by settling abroad, they are ensuring that their future generations, their bloodline, will have nothing to do with Pakistan. Is this their contribution to Pakistan? What a shame.

Overseas Pakistanis are a deluded lot. They think they are doing a great service to Pakistan by sending money but this is the least that they can do for leaving the country and taking their skills, knowledge and expertise to serve another country.

The doctors, engineers, accountants etc. who left Pakistan to work in the west are in debt to Pakistan and the least that they can do is to send money back home to repay the death.

Remittance is not a favor, it is their duty. They are obliged to do this.

Overseas Pakistanis do not love Pakistan. What they love is their foreign passports and the $, £ and € that they earn. What they love is the security blanket that their foreign passports provide.

Call their bluff and ask them to choose between Pakistani citizenship and the foreign citizenship and they will happily discard the Pakistani citizenship. That is the worth of their love and patriotism for Pakistan.

This is why dual passport holders should not have voting rights. If you really care about Pakistan and its future then give up your foreign citizenship and come back to Pakistan and serve the country.

As far as voting rights are concerned, they should be reserved for the poor laborers in gulf countries and not the fake Pakistanis carrying American, Canadian, UK passports.

Those in the gulf countries send the biggest chuck of the remittance to Pakistan anyway, and they do not have dual passports and the security and benefits that it provides.

Good you noted that.

So let them vote for what's best for their country. Why will Chalees Chors not allow that?

 

[JaDed]

When someone says "even this guy is doing a better job than you" it really isn't as much a compliment as it is an insult to his competitors. Basically, Imran Khan is talking along the lines of "Even India has managed to do the obvious and import fuel from Russia".

Again being called Hitler isn't a thing most people consider a compliment.

Not really, he has praised India’s foreign policy time and time again in last 2 months , and its not obvious considering only India and China are doing it..

But if thats how you interpret it, then great.

 

[Hextro]

Not really, he has praised India’s foreign policy time and time again in last 2 months , and its not obvious considering only India and China are doing it..

But if thats how you interpret it, then great.

That's the only way to interpret it. Especially when you add everything he's said about Modi and India in the past. Also in Imran Khan's point of view, it is obvious so that's what I was referring to.

 

[Hextro]

That's the only way to interpret it. Especially when you add everything he's said about Modi and India in the past. Also in Imran Khan's point of view, it is obvious so that's what I was referring to.

One last point. China and India aren't the only countries that are importing fuel from Russia, I don't know where you got that from.

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

Overseas Pakistanis do not send money to Pakistan to help the economy; they send money to help their families. The positive impact that it has on the economy is not the intention of their action.

In addition, this remittance is mostly a first or at best a second generation thing. If you or your parents move out of Pakistan, you will have enough affiliation with your family back home to send them money.

However, your children and their children in the future will not have the same sentiments about Pakistan and their families back home. With each generation, they will continue to become more and more detached from Pakistan.

Overseas Pakistanis who pretend that they love Pakistan and are extremely patriotic close their eyes to the fact that by settling abroad, they are ensuring that their future generations, their bloodline, will have nothing to do with Pakistan. Is this their contribution to Pakistan? What a shame.

Overseas Pakistanis are a deluded lot. They think they are doing a great service to Pakistan by sending money but this is the least that they can do for leaving the country and taking their skills, knowledge and expertise to serve another country.

The doctors, engineers, accountants etc. who left Pakistan to work in the west are in debt to Pakistan and the least that they can do is to send money back home to repay the death.

Remittance is not a favor, it is their duty. They are obliged to do this.

Overseas Pakistanis do not love Pakistan. What they love is their foreign passports and the $, £ and € that they earn. What they love is the security blanket that their foreign passports provide.

Call their bluff and ask them to choose between Pakistani citizenship and the foreign citizenship and they will happily discard the Pakistani citizenship. That is the worth of their love and patriotism for Pakistan.

This is why dual passport holders should not have voting rights. If you really care about Pakistan and its future then give up your foreign citizenship and come back to Pakistan and serve the country.

As far as voting rights are concerned, they should be reserved for the poor laborers in gulf countries and not the fake Pakistanis carrying American, Canadian, UK passports.

Those in the gulf countries send the biggest chuck of the remittance to Pakistan anyway, and they do not have dual passports and the security and benefits that it provides.

lol , none of your rants change the fact that without our money you wont be able to afford the clothes on your back . Show some respect boi

 

[cric_man]

Along with stripping Overseas Pakistani the right to vote, and scrapping EVMs. These imported crooks have blatantly gutted NAB ordinance that would make it virtually impossible to prosecute these crooks in the future. Hopefully these "amendments" can be reversed.