With Feb 8 drawing closer, Pakistani Ame­ricans find themselves entangled in a complex web of anticipation and trepidation. Beyond the surface of casual gatherings and earnest discussions among senior citizens lies a prevailing sentiment — a palpable disenchantment with the electoral process.

From questioning the scheduling uncertainty to advocating for voting rights, the community’s diverse opinions converge on a shared skepticism, painting a nuanced portrait of their attitudes towards the upcoming elections.

In a series of interviews with Dawn, some Pakistani Americans also voiced concerns over the lack of voting rights for overseas communities, urging the Election Commission to set up an inclusive system for their participation in the electoral process.

A tiny minority — such as Naveed Chela of Frederick, VA, and Sajjad Baloch of Prince George’s County, Maryland — is certain that elections will be held as scheduled. Chela supports PML-N, and Baloch believes that overseas Pakistanis should never disagree with the government in Islamabad.

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