IHC dismisses petition for overseas Pakistanis’ voting procedure

ISLAMABAD, June 27 (SABAH): Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah Monday dismissed a petition against the constitutional amendment on the voting procedure for overseas Pakistanis.

The dismissal came after Justice Minallah heard all arguments of the petitioner’s counsel during a plea hearing against the National Assembly bill revoking the Election Act. These 2017 amendments allowed overseas Pakistanis to vote in the general elections.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the overseas Pakistanis’ right to vote had been recognised several times; however, they aren’t granted the right.

Overseas Pakistanis’ will not be given the right to vote till doomsday,” he lamented, adding that Parliament’s “malicious intent” jeopardises overseas Pakistanis’ right to vote.

The IHC Chief Justice remarked that Parliament’s legislation cannot be called “malicious”. He hoped that the Election Commission will fulfill its constitutional responsibility.