The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a para-wise report from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on the implementation court's verdict in order to ensure voting rights to overseas Pakistanis in the forthcoming general election. The National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) was also directed to complete the process of issuance of National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).
A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, resumed the hearing of a petition that had sought of voting rights to overseas Pakistanis. During the course of hearing, the bench was informed that Ministry of Finance intended to release Rs 4 billion to the ECP in April 2013 to hold general election.
The Supreme Court had said in its verdict in the matter on February 14, 2013 that ECP would make all possible efforts to ensure "overseas Pakistanis become an integral part of the country's electoral and voting system through the implementation of voter registration procedures and the establishment of voting facilities at Pakistani missions overseas". The court had also ordered Nadra to fully cooperate with the ECP in order to prepare accurate voter registration documents and lists. The hearing of case was adjourned till March 14.
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