Brits in Pakistan can now vote in the UK

Staff Report

British citizens residing in Pakistan now have the opportunity to vote in the UK in general elections without the previous 15-year time limit constraint. A recent change in UK law allows British citizens living abroad, including those in Pakistan, to register and vote in UK Parliament elections.

The British High Commission Islamabad is actively supporting the awareness campaign initiated by the UK’s Electoral Commission, an independent and impartial organization overseeing UK elections.

British residents in Pakistan are encouraged to check their eligibility and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.

This new law extends voting rights to individuals who have previously lived in or been registered to vote in the UK.

Registrants will need to confirm their personal information every three years, and those on the UK electoral register are recognized as permissible donors to UK political parties and campaigners.

The British High Commission Spokesperson emphasized the importance of making eligible individuals aware of the changes, urging those who used to live in the UK to register and exercise their right to vote in the next UK general election.

The registration process takes only five minutes and can be completed online at gov.uk/registertovote. Additionally, online applications for postal or proxy voting are now available.

Applicants must provide details of their last registered or residential address and the period of their connection to that area. Local authorities will verify the applicant’s identity and past association with the specified location. Pak-UK agree to enhance bilateral trade ties

For further information, individuals can visit the Electoral Commission’s website, and those living overseas can find contact details for the relevant local council by entering the postcode of their last UK residence using the Commission’s postcode lookup tool.

Let’s ensure that eligible British citizens in Pakistan are informed and empowered to participate in the democratic process.