ISLAMABAD: Pakistani expatriates recently lamented the absence of voting rights for overseas communities and urged Pakistan’s election oversight body to devise a system that would enable their inclusion in the decision-making process at home.
National elections in the politically and economically troubled South Asian nation were initially supposed to be held on November 90, days after the dissolution of the lower house of parliament in August. However, the elections were postponed to February 8 due to the delimitation of constituencies following a new census.
Before the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan in a parliamentary no-trust vote in April 2022, his administration had not only endorsed the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) to enhance “transparency” and “inclusivity” in elections but it appeared to be taking practical steps in this regard, much to the delight of overseas Pakistanis.
But in May 2022, the coalition government of former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif passed the Election Amendment Act 2022, revoking overseas Pakistanis’ right to vote and prohibiting the use of EVMs in general elections.
While many overseas Pakistanis were hopeful that the upcoming election would bring stability to the South Asian country, few were skeptical about the transparency of the polls.
“Overseas Pakistanis here are quite hopeful that the elections will bring Pakistan out of this crisis of instability, turmoil, unrest and chaos,” Syed Kamran Akhtar Gilani, a Pakistani expatriate in Saudi Arabia, told Arab News from Riyadh.
He said almost every overseas Pakistani in the Kingdom was enthusiastic about the upcoming polls and was actively participating in election campaigns through “social media platforms.”
Qaiser Abbas, a Pakistani expatriate in the United Kingdom (UK), was skeptical of the possibility of a free and fair election taking place in Pakistan.
“Pakistan is already in financial crisis, and spending billions of public money in this useless process will add more burden on the ordinary people as overseas Pakistanis are not allowed to vote and members of the main opposition party are being denied their basic right to stand in the election,” Abbas told Arab News from London.
He said a free and fair election and a stable government elected by the people were the only solution to a “stable and durable” Pakistan.
Mazhar Abbasi, a United Arab Emirates-based expat, expressed dismay over their exclusion from the electoral process at home.
“It is very sad that overseas Pakistanis send so much remittances, is it not our right to play our role in the decisions of our country,” he asked.
Abbasi said the fate of Pakistan should be decided by the people of Pakistan.
“I want to go to Pakistan and cast a vote but in these circumstances, I am thinking that if I cast a vote in Pakistan, will the elections be fair,” he told Arab News from Dubai. “I do not think that the elections will be fair.”
When asked why overseas Pakistanis could not vote from the respective countries in which they are based, ECP spokesperson Syed Nadeem Haider referred to the Election (Amendment) Act 2022.
“If an expatriate is a registered voter and wishes to cast a vote, they must return to Pakistan and vote physically in their constituency,” Haider said.
“The Election Commission of Pakistan is bound to adhere to the current law, which explicitly mandates this requirement and ECP will follow the law accordingly if there will be any changes brought in it in the future.”
While the government has vowed to ensure a transparent election in the country, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a few other parties have levelled allegations of “pre-poll rigging” against the administration and demanded a “level playing field” to all parties.
Khan, a 71-year-old former cricket star, has been embroiled in a tangle of political and legal battles since he was ousted as prime minister. He has not been seen in public since being jailed for three years in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office from 2018 to 2022.
The ex-premier has been disqualified from contesting the national elections because of the corruption conviction, but he nevertheless filed nominations for the elections which were rejected. Khan, widely seen as the country’s most popular leader, says he is being targeted by the powerful military, which wants to keep him out of the polls. The military denies this.
On the other hand, the election commission accepted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s nomination from two constituencies for the Feb. 8 election, weeks after a court overturned his two graft convictions. Khan’s party sees the recent judgments granting relief to Sharif as favors given to his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, which appears poised to once again take over the reins of the country.
Dubai-based Pakistani Maaz Amjad praised the former Khan administration for granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis, but regretted the subsequent decision by the Shehbaz Sharif-led government to revoke that right.
“The biggest source of income for Pakistan is the overseas community but at the moment, they have taken away our rights and have stopped us from voting which is not a good move,” he said.
Imtiaz-ul-Hassan Bukhari, a Pakistani expatriate from the United States (US), said these polls were going to be distinct from the previous ones as they would determine the future of democracy in Pakistan.
“These are going to be very historical elections for the people of Pakistan,” he told Arab News from Connecticut.
“I am expecting that people will rise and stand up for their rights and they will elect the people who are for the people of Pakistan, not establishment-backed candidates.”
Overseas Pakistanis advocate voting rights, call for ‘inclusivity’ ahead of national election
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Overseas Pakistanis advocate voting rights, call for ‘inclusivity’ ahead of national election
- The former Shehbaz Sharif administration, via Election Act 2022, revoked voting rights of overseas Pakistanis, prohibited e-voting machine use
- Overseas Pakistanis say they want a free and fair election and that a government elected by the people is crucial for stability in the South Asian nation
PIA to launch first direct Lahore-Baku flight on Sunday amid push for regional connectivity
- The announcement was made at a roadshow organized in Lahore ahead of the launch
- The new route is expected to boost tourism, business travel between the two countries
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will begin weekly direct flights from Lahore to Baku on Sunday, the national carrier said, marking its latest step to expand travel links amid Islamabad’s push for deeper connectivity with Central Asian states.
The move comes as Pakistan strengthens diplomatic and trade ties with Azerbaijan, a key partner in its broader regional outreach. The new route is expected to boost tourism, business travel and cultural exchange between the two countries.
“PIA will start weekly flights from Lahore to Baku from Sunday, April 20,” the airline said in a statement on Saturday. “The first flight to Baku will depart tomorrow morning, carrying 174 passengers.”
The announcement was made at a roadshow organized in Lahore ahead of the launch, attended by travel agents, tour operators and tourism industry stakeholders.
PIA officials briefed participants on the airline’s expansion plans and encouraged greater collaboration to promote regional travel and tourism.
“Baku is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, known for its beautiful cityscape, culinary scene and rich religious and cultural heritage,” the official PIA statement continued, adding that Lahore would see more international destinations added in the near future.
The new flight service is seen as part of Pakistan’s ongoing quest to improve air connectivity with countries in Central Asia, where it has been seeking to expand trade and diplomatic engagement in recent years.
Pakistan deputy PM announces understanding with Kabul to prevent cross-border militancy
- Ishaq Dar says Pakistan is trying to ensure the return of Afghan nationals ‘with dignity and respect’
- He also announces steps to facilitate Afghan transit trade, demands exchange of trade delegations
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday announced a joint understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan not to allow their soil to be used against each other while addressing a news conference toward the end of his day-long visit to Kabul.
Dar’s visit to the neighboring country came amid surging militancy in Pakistan, which Islamabad blames on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant factions. Pakistan has frequently accused the Afghan Taliban in the past of providing these armed groups sanctuaries and facilitating their cross-border attacks, allegations that Kabul has repeatedly denied.
The deputy prime minister’s visit to Kabul also took place at a time when Pakistan has intensified its campaign to deport “illegal immigrants,” mostly Afghan nationals, which it blames for being involved in suicide attacks and militancy in the country.
The deportation drive has further soured ties between the two nations, prompting the Afghan authorities to express “deep concern” their forced repatriation during Dar’s trip to Kabul.
“We have requested our hosts that we must work together for the development of this region, for its betterment and for establishing peace and stability here,” the deputy prime minister said while addressing the news conference. “For that, we will not allow our land or our soil to be used by anyone for any wrongful activity inside Afghanistan, and we kindly request you to do the same.”
“Both countries must strictly deal with such elements,” he continued. “Neither side should allow its territory to be used for any activity against the other, whether it concerns security or terrorism.”
Dar added in case of any militant violence, both countries “will be responsible to take firm action against such elements within our respective countries and stop them.”
The deputy prime minister also announced a number of measures aimed at facilitating Afghan transit trade, saying they would be implemented by June 30. “Exchange of trade delegations between the two countries is also vital at this stage to increase bilateral trade and ensure mutual prosperity,” he said.
Addressing Afghan concerns over the deportation, he noted Pakistan was trying to ensure that those being sent back were treated with “respect and dignity.”
He said the interior ministry would issue a notification within 48 hours providing phone numbers, WhatsApp contacts and an email address to register any complaints from Afghan nationals returning to their country.
Denying any instructions to block the sale of property by Afghans, he said that those returning to Afghanistan were also allowed to take their personal belongings back with them.
Earlier in the day, before departing for Kabul, Dar acknowledged recent “coldness” in bilateral ties but said security remained a priority.
“I believe the security of Pakistan, its people, their lives and properties, is very important,” he told state-run Pakistan Television. “So one of our concerns is regarding terrorism, which we will discuss.”
During the visit, he met with senior Afghan officials, including acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
According to Pakistan’s foreign office, the discussions focused on security, trade, transit and regional connectivity, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining high-level engagement and enhancing people-to-people contact.
Pakistan deputy PM meets Afghan premier in Kabul to discuss militancy, trade cooperation
- Ishaq Dar acknowledges ‘coldness’ in ties before Kabul visit, says ‘terrorism’ will be discussed
- Afghan foreign ministry also expresses concern over Pakistan’s deportation drive in a statement
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday met Afghanistan’s acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund during a day-long visit to Kabul, where the two sides discussed militancy, regional security, trade and efforts to boost bilateral cooperation.
His visit takes place amid surging militancy in Pakistan, which Islamabad blames on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant outfit. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing them sanctuaries, allegations that Kabul has repeatedly denied.
Dar’s visit to Kabul also takes place as Pakistan intensifies its campaign to deport “illegal immigrants,” mostly Afghan nationals, which it has blamed without evidence for being involved in suicide attacks and militancy in the country.
Pakistan’s deportation drive has further soured ties between the two nations.
“Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar ... called on the acting Afghan Prime Minister, Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund,” the Pakistani foreign office said in a brief statement.
“Both sides exchanged views on key issues of mutual interest, including security, trade and transit cooperation, and explored ways to enhance people-to-people contacts,” it added.
The foreign office informed the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement and agreed to maintain high-level exchanges to further strengthen relations between the two “brotherly countries.”
Dar arrived in Kabul earlier on Saturday to hold talks with Afghan leaders amid increasingly tense ties between the neighbors.
Before departing for Kabul, Dar acknowledged recent “coldness” in ties between the two nations but said security remained a priority.
“I believe the security of Pakistan, its people, their lives and properties, is very important,” he told state-run Pakistan Television. “So one of our concerns is regarding terrorism, which we will discuss.”
Dar said Pakistan saw immense potential for trade and investment with Afghanistan and stressed the importance of regional connectivity.
“Our connection with Central Asian states can be established through rail links but that’s not possible unless Afghanistan becomes a partner in this,” he added.
Dar also met Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi upon his arrival in Kabul to discuss security, border management and economic cooperation.
“Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relations and agreed on the importance of maintaining high-level engagement,” the foreign office said after that meeting.
Dar’s trip is seen as part of Islamabad’s efforts to re-engage with the Afghan Taliban government despite ongoing tensions and to address its concerns over a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan.
A statement issued by the Afghan government said the Taliban foreign minister voiced “deep concern” over Pakistan’s deportation drive, urging Islamabad to “prevent the suppression of the rights of Afghans.”
Pakistan’s finance minister departs for US to attend World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings
- World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings 2025 will be held from Apr. 21-26 in Washington D.C.
- Aurangzeb to address investment forums, meet counterparts from other countries
KARACHI: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb left for the United States on Saturday to attend the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings 2025, the finance ministry said.
Leading finance ministers and officials of the World Bank and the IMF will gather in Washington D.C. to attend the spring meetings from Apr. 21-26.
Aurangzeb will meet with top officials of the World Bank and IMF, and interact with the finance ministers from China, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, the finance ministry said.
“The Finance Minister will clarify the country’s economic scenario while addressing investment forums and seminars during the visit,” the statement said.
Aurangzeb will meet officials of the US State and Treasury Departments as well as those from global credit rating agencies, commercial and investment banks.
“During the visit, the Finance Minister will attend the 13th Ministerial Meeting of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action,” the ministry said.
Aurangzeb will address a roundtable discussion with institutional investors organized by Jefferies International, titled: ‘Pakistan’s Economic Outlook, Recent Fiscal and Monetary Developments and Progress on Reforms and Engagement with the IMF.’
The finance minister will also address a session organized by the Center for Global Development (CGD) on ongoing reforms in Pakistan and future challenges that the country faces.
Aurangzeb will meet Garji Ghosh, the president of the Global Policy and Advocacy Division, Gates Foundation and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.
“Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will visit leading think tanks in the US,” the ministry said, adding that he will also meet international and US media representatives.
Aurangzeb’s visit takes place as Pakistan tries to recover from a prolonged macroeconomic crisis via financial reforms mandated by the IMF.
The IMF staff reached a deal with Pakistan for a new $1.3 billion arrangement last month and also agreed on the first review of the ongoing 37-month bailout program. Pending board approval, Pakistan can unlock the $1.3 billion under a new climate resilience loan program spanning 28 months.
The IMF will also release $1 billion for Pakistan under its $7 billion bailout program, which would bring those disbursements to $2 billion.
Pakistan vows no leniency toward perpetrators of KFC mob attacks
- One person was killed in around 20 attacks targeting KFC outlets this month, says Pakistan’s minister of state for interior
- Charged mobs fueled by anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments attacked KFC outlets in various parts of the country this week
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry vowed on Saturday that the government will not show any leniency toward those involved in attacks targeting international food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken’s (KFC) outlets in various parts of the country, vowing to ensure protection for foreign investment.
The minister’s remarks came after charged mobs attacked and vandalized KFC outlets in various parts of the country this week, angered by growing anti-United States sentiment in Pakistan and in opposition to Israel for its military campaign in Gaza.
In videos shared widely on the Internet, men carrying sticks can be seen hurling abuses at customers and staff at various KFC outlets, forcing them to leave the eatery while they vandalize the outlets’ property.
Speaking to reporters at a news conference, Chaudry said around 20 such incidents across the country have taken place this month in which one KFC employee lost his life. He said 12 complaints have been registered for such incidents in Punjab, where 142 people have been arrested for their involvement in the attacks. In Islamabad, he said 15 people were arrested for their involvement in attacks on KFC outlets.
“It cannot happen that someone brings investment into Pakistan, gives its people employment, pays 100 percent tax, and also spends on welfare, education and health activities, and then someone attacks it,” Chaudry said.
“We will not let this happen. I am just not issuing a warning but practically it is being implemented in all four provinces. They are not being shown leniency anywhere and neither will we show them leniency,” he added.
The minister said those arrested for attacking KFC outlets across the country were ashamed of their actions. He said Pakistan’s religious and political parties had distanced themselves from these incidents.
Chaudry said since Friday, no attacks have been reported on any KFC outlets across the country after the prime minister took notice of the incident.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Palestine, saying that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had raised his voice for the people of Gaza repeatedly.
However, he said the government would ensure protection for foreign investment in the country whether it be in the mines and minerals sector or international food chains.
The minister said such attacks would be “unacceptable,” adding that Pakistan’s government and interior ministry were available 24 hours to respond to such incidents.
“Any such attack will be unacceptable and it will be treated similar to when a terrorist attacks an unarmed man,” Chaudry said.
Western brands have been hit by boycotts and other forms of protests in Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries in recent months over Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The war was triggered by the Palestinian group Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.
Since then, more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to Palestinian health authorities.
