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Pakistanis fly home for democracy

For young Pakistani Aisha Yaqoub, it is time to end rhetoric and take action. This, she says, can only be done by casting her vote — even if it means travelling thousands of miles to Lahore to do so.

Aisha, a marketing professional based in Dubai for the past 10 years, echoes the thoughts of hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis in the UAE, many of whom are travelling back home to Pakistan to make their voices heard in the country’s general elections, due to be held on May 11.

These are the 11^th general elections for Pakistan since 1962, and will mark the first successful democratic transition between two governments.

“We all talk about bringing about change, but never take any action. So this time, since I have the chance, I will be voting...and I am sure that my one vote will matter,” she said emphatically. She will be joining her family, who are eagerly awaiting her return.

Aisha is all set to vote for the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz Group (PML-N), because of the developmental works that the party has carried out in Punjab.

Mobisher Rabbani, a Dubai-based diplomatic consultant, has already left for Pakistan. He said his vote would be based on the individual capacity of the candidate, not on the popularity of the political party.

“I am assessing the candidates who are registered in my area and will vote accordingly,” said Mobisher, who has previously been accredited by the Election Commission of Pakistan as an observer in 2008. “I don’t believe in party politics,” he added.

For Abeer Asif, this will be the first time to cast a vote. Disappointed that overseas Pakistanis were not given the right to vote, Abeer is travelling to Karachi just a day before the elections. “As overseas Pakistanis, we don’t contribute much to the country...instead of criticising, it is essential that we choose wisely and more so when we have this chance,” she said.

“These elections will be a turning point for democracy in Pakistan and, therefore, my vote is important,” said Abeer, who will also be joining the rest of her family to vote for Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI). “My vote can help him win a seat at least.”

However, Gulf region PML-N chairman of the IT Wing Imran Malik will visit Lahore with at least 10 of his friends to support his party. “Times have changed...and Nawaz Sharif’s personality has changed. I know he will be the best for this country.”

Malik, who is a businessman, will be travelling for the second time to cast his vote.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com