Establishing New Social Contract Across Territorial Boundaries of Pakistan is the Need of Time

Abstract

I felt that it was imperative to produce this paper in order to explain to the Government of Pakistan, the Parliament of Pakistan, The Higher Courts of Pakistan, the national media, think tanks in Pakistan, and to the Pakistani community in and outside of Pakistan, why establishing a new social contract with Pakistani Diaspora is the need of the time. Historically we have ignored such segments of the society, which could have not only facilitated Pakistan’s journey through its history but also be the lynchpin of the revolutionary changes needed to reshape the destiny of Pakistan. A strong connection with their Diaspora has been one of the main factors which helped transform countries like China, India, Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Hong Kong etc, domestically and in turn propelled them in the global arena as major players in world affairs within the last three decades.An expansive discussion has been undertaken in this paper on how, according to needs of the time, nation states have evolved regarding many sentiments and beliefs which were once a measure of national pride. Dual nationality, which was once considered equivalent to bigamy by important local leaders, has now been adopted by 85 countries and is no longer considered to be a problem for integration, legitimacy, foreign policy or diplomatic protection, but is rather deliberated from various standpoints, ranging from simple pragmatic tolerance to active encouragement.I have described, how the citizenship law has been recognized globally due to its acceptance at the international stage after 1980s. Nations have become very lenient in defining their citizenship laws in order to be involved and become an integral part of the globalised affairs. The history of the extension of enfranchisement to all section of the society has been discussed. I have explored the expansion of this phenomenon from the elite club to other sections of the society during the period between the 18th and the 20th century. This has historically been achieved through a long struggle in the respective societies in response to several reasons. Whether these rights were extended in order to eliminate the threat of revolution or political parties’ competition, to prepare for the war or, to encourage or recognize citizens’ sacrifices and to reward their loyalty etc, such overtures have developed these societies and has given rise to social welfare systems.Till date 115 countries have introduced extra territorial voting to connect to its Diaspora. Several countries in Latin America (Argentina and Mexico), Southern Europe (Portugal and Spain), Southern Africa (South Africa and Namibia), and Central Eastern Europe (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Russia) have introduced external voting during their transition to democracy or in the period of democratic consolidation.Pakistan has over 8 million oversea Pakistanis scattered around the world and considered to be one of the largest Diaspora. Where the countries around Pakistan and across the globe are progressing socially, economically and in their standing internationally, by making good of the expertise and innovation of their Diaspora, recent research has revealed that Pakistan connection with its Diaspora is derailing since the last three decades. Pakistan has failed to capitalize on its huge skilled human capital due to a lack of a clear understanding of the ramifications of a lack of a social contract and a defined policy.I have written this paper because it is my objective to do whatever is in my capacity to connect overseas Pakistanis to their roots. Verily the establishment of a new social contract with Pakistani Diaspora is inevitable and the need of time.