Islamabad: Facilitating the voting rights of overseas Pakistanis remains a complex issue, as the country grapples with challenges in verifying eligible voters and understanding the demographics of its diaspora. These concerns echo discussions around diaspora voting for Bangladesh's upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for February 12, 2026.

According to Free and Fair Election Network, a review of official migration data and the Elections Act, 2017, highlights significant gaps in the current system for overseas voting. While over 14.2 million Pakistanis have reportedly left the country for work since 1981, these figures do not accurately represent the number of Pakistanis living abroad. The registration data from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment predominantly covers those leaving for employment, excluding individuals on non-work visas, such as students and businesspersons.

Further complicating efforts to facilitate overseas voting is the legal framework outlined in the Elections Act, 2017. Under Section 94(2), an overseas Pakistani eligible to vote is defined as a citizen residing abroad for at least six months. However, verifying this requirement involves cross-referencing travel history records managed by the Federal Investigation Agency's Immigration Wing, thus necessitating cooperation between the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and various government bodies.

The ECP's constitutional mandate to maintain electoral rolls underscores the need for careful coordination to prevent undermining its authority. Ongoing discussions focus on devising a framework that ensures accurate voter verification, while upholding the independence and sanctity of the electoral process. As Pakistani authorities work towards addressing these challenges, the participation of overseas voters in future elections remains a subject of critical importance.