Daily Times

The Pakistani Diaspora refers to overseas Pakistanis, who, as Pakistani citizens, migrated to another country. According to Pakistan government, there are around seven million Pakistanis living abroad, with a vast majority of them residing in the Middle East, Europe and North America. Pakistani Diaspora sent remittances to Pakistan of over 13 billion dollars in 2012. That money was welcomed.

Who are these people and why do they leave the country of birth? A majority of these are young persons, but some are of mature age, and some seniors. The young are those who have some qualification, succeed in obtaining respectable jobs in a competitive job market and were found to be an asset by the employers in a developed country. Several of these have made a name for themselves, contributed to the business of their employers and to the economy of the country of their residence. Some have reached top positions. There are others who have established themselves as entrepreneurs and run successful businesses. Few of these flow in the mainstream of the foreign society, and some create a small island for themselves and survive. However, most of them dream of their country and regret that their talent could not be absorbed in their own country. Many of these are doctors, engineers, attorneys, economists, accountants, finance managers and developers. Almost all are nostalgic about Pakistan and given an equal or near equal environment of work and they may prefer their country of birth to work, for its development and for their own fulfilment.

There is another group of persons that is, in fact, larger in number. These people are hardworking individuals who generally hold lower or middle positions or work as labour force. Almost all of these people send remittances to their parent country and hope to return one day. The foreign currency they send is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Every year $ 13 billion is a large amount. Without these remittances, the economy of Pakistan will face even more hardship. We gladly accept their money. If they come back to the country and invest here, then they are also welcome.

But if they feel that they can contribute in the management of national affairs and contest elections, then eyebrows are raised. Suddenly, their ‘loyalty’ becomes suspect. What about all those who do not take dual nationalities but still keep their assets in other countries? Are the millionaires who have taken Pakistan’s money out and kept it out more patriotic? The Diaspora works and sends its very hard-earned money at the cost of their comfort to look after the needs of their compatriots. Who is more patriotic? Do the so-called patriotic legislators not take an oath and do not remember a word of it a few minutes later? Are they all serving national interest over and above their personal interests?

The worst situation that can be labelled against the oath taking of a dual national is in the case of a conflict of interest between the two countries. Let us look at the reality. Most of the Diaspora is in the countries that are friendly to Pakistan and boast of commonality of interest. Even in case of a strong conflict, the situations are resolved in the best interest of both countries. Where is the conflict? Are we afraid of the Indians coming and sabotaging Pakistan’s interest? So let it be clarified: India does not allow dual nationality, so there is no case of concern on this count.

Let us look from the point of view that the individuals of Diaspora who may want to contest an election in Pakistan would bring with them the experience and exposure of the system of more developed countries. Therefore, they are likely to contribute positively in decision-making. They can also be of help with their contacts in the other country. This influence can help in trade as well as political understanding. It also needs to be remembered that if such persons enter the country by invoking their rights under NICOP, and not on a ‘visa’, then, they acquire the ‘resident’ right in Pakistan. Therefore, they should enjoy all rights without suspicion.

What do other counties do with their Diaspora? Most of the other countries lay down no restrictions. The reasons are obvious. Then where is the opposition coming from? Is it a sense of insecurity, because a Diaspora candidate is likely to be more competent? The Diaspora candidate is very likely to be more educated and with a better understanding of how more developed countries manage their affairs, while some traditional candidate does not even want to graduate from a university. This is a strange contradiction. How many times have the elected really cared about the basic individual rights as guaranteed by the constitution? Have they really protected these rights for the masses? They have hardly ever done so. But, when it comes to entering a legislative body by the Diaspora, they are reminded of this right. And how do the illiterate ‘legislators’ consider themselves competent to make laws? With no or little education, the best they can claim to understand are the wishes of a certain portion of the voters of their constituency. I say a ‘portion’, because generally, the winner does not have the majority votes unless it was a one-on-one contest and a 100 percent turnout of voters happened. Impossible. Let us face it: most of those elected are representative of a minority and in many cases, they owe their success to strong-arm tactics. In my opinion, the restriction on the Diaspora to participate in politics and contest election is neither justified nor fair. In fact, it could be harmful.

A ray of hope does exist though. In a recent press report, Mr Zardari and Altaf Hussain have agreed to support equal rights for the Diaspora. These two leaders have the track record of getting things done. Political differences apart, one would wish them success in making the appropriate change in the constitution.

The writer is a former DG Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Secretary Arts Council Alhamra, COO of ICTV US, Chairperson Fruit Processing Industries, Chairperson Export Promotion Committee, Head of several business delegations to European countries, Specialist in Arts management and Cultural diplomacy. He is an expert callishtenist, dramatist, researcher, and the author of 8,000 years of the People of Indus Valley. Presently, he is the Central Vice- President APML and General Secretary, Punjab APML