LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif has proposed a new formula for the representation of overseas Pakistanis by giving them reserved seats in the Parliament.
In a statement here on Saturday, Shehbaz Sharif said this would empower overseas Pakistanis to represent their community and highlight the issues of their importance. He proposed five to seven seats in the National Assembly and two in the Senate of Pakistan for overseas Pakistanis.
The PMLN president proposed that the process and pre-conditions would be decided by all political parties through consensus. He said the required relevant legislation would also be possible with all parties on board.
Shehbaz Sharif pointed out how the same formula for representation works in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Parliament. He said the PMLN endorsed the right of overseas Pakistanis to vote in line with the principles of democratic ideals. He said overseas Pakistanis have every right to register and cast their ballot in Pakistan during elections.
The opposition leader said overseas Pakistanis were a precious asset and pride of the country. He said these eight million Pakistanis were the strength of the nation, who were contributing to the progress and development of the country. He reassured PMLN’s unshakeable love and appreciation for the participation and efforts of overseas Pakistanis for the country. He said PMLN wanted that all issues concerning this community, including land grabbing, must be addressed promptly, legally and justly as a top priority.
 President and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif,){kind=link}