ISLAMABAD, Oct 17: On instructions of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), first National Voters Day was observed for the first time in the country’s history, on Wednesday.

Educational institutions of federal capital were instructed through Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) to hold seminars and give awareness to students regarding importance of voting and mobilising eligible voters.

A seminar was held in Islamabad Model School for Boys G-10/4 which was presided by principal Anwar Ali Khan. Students were informed that anyone who is above the age of 18 years should get his Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) and get himself registered as a voter.

While talking to Dawn, Anwar Ali Khan said that majority of the citizens do not use their right to vote.

“On instructions of higher authorities we have been trying to give awareness to students that every citizen should cast his or her vote,” he said.

Aadil Khan, student of the college said that his vote was not registered in the voter list because he was not 18 years old. However, he said: “I will convince my parents that both of them should cast their votes because only that is how we can bring a change in the country”.

At another seminar in a government school in F-10/4, teachers of the school spoke to the students and told them that if they participated in the election process, the elected government will feel pressurised and will work for the welfare of the people.

Professor Malik Ahmed Khan Awan said that not only students were made aware about the importance of voting but it was helpful in conveying the message to their parents that every citizen should cast his/her vote.

“It is a great decision, in India voters’ day is celebrated every year. It seems from now on we will also celebrate National Voters Day every year on October 17,” he said.

According to ECP officials, 44 per cent of the eligible population casts its votes and the target for the upcoming elections is to raise the voting rate to 48 per cent.