Both political parties have revealed their manifestos ahead of the February 8th elections.
PTI’s Manifesto Focuses on Institutional and Governmental Reforms
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a prominent political party, launched its election manifesto with a vision to reform and empower the nation’s institutions, governance, and populace.
The manifesto, revealed on Sunday, focuses on making significant institutions follow the Constitution, streamlining the role of state organizations to serve the citizenry, and proposing direct elections for the Prime Minister by the people of Pakistan.
Central to the PTI’s political blueprint is the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to heal historical wounds and foster a compassionate, inclusive state. The party also emphasizes the creation of an Islamic welfare state termed Riyasat-e-Madina, prioritizing welfare over theocratic rule.
The manifesto, which embraces the slogan “Shandaar Pakistan, Shandaar Mustaqbil Aur Kharaab Maazi Say Chutkara,” also outlines commitments to social upliftment.
These include investments in human capital, education, and healthcare, improving quality of life for the underprivileged, and ensuring equitable respect for individuals irrespective of their wealth.
Institutional and governmental reforms also feature heavily in the document. PTI plans to implement policies for more effective governance, including limiting government roles to service provision, driving local democratic governance, instituting performance-based promotions and compensations, and introducing a nationwide comprehensive education system that includes academic and vocational tracks.
During a press conference, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, PTI’s Chairman, expressed concerns about the current political climate, citing fears of arrest among party leaders responsible for the manifesto’s preparation. Additionally, he shed light on the PTI’s intention to amend the Constitution to enable the direct election of the Prime Minister.
Khan also outlined several economic and sector-specific initiatives such as tax reforms, autonomous functioning for the State Bank of Pakistan, healthcare provisions like the Sehat Card, and the uniform education system initiative named “Parha Likha Pakistan, Hunarmand Pakistan.”
Despite claiming wide popularity, Khan criticized the restrictions imposed on the PTI’s campaign activities and raised issues regarding legal representation in cases related to Imran Khan, urging the Chief Justice to address the matter.
PMLN Promises Development and Reform in Its 2024 Election Manifesto
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) released its election manifesto, presented by party supremo Nawaz Sharif in Lahore. As the elections scheduled for February 8 approach, PMLN emphasized their comprehensive policy document, pledging full implementation if they secure power.
Nawaz Sharif highlighted the economy as a key element of the manifesto, reflecting on his previous ousting as Prime Minister and the resilience of his party. Without dwelling on past grievances, he encouraged voters to delve into the manifesto details, emphasizing advancements from previous PMLN tenures such as low inflation.
PMLN’s promises are expansive, including a reduction in electricity costs, a boost in power generation, and a strong focus on solar energy. Addressing the aspirations of the youth, the party aims to ensure their representation in governance, restore student unions, fund IT start-ups, and promote entrepreneurship.
Additional manifesto commitments cover establishing Pakistan’s first sports university, building sports infrastructure, and initiating youth-focused programs, such as a Scholarship Endowment Fund.
On foreign relations, PMLN pledges a peaceful approach, including resolving issues with India contingent on the reversal of its 2019 actions in Kashmir. Additionally, the manifesto includes aggressive measures to combat climate change and terrorism.
The PMLN also aims to secure water resources, increase exports to invigorate the economy, and engage overseas Pakistanis in national development. The manifesto pledges comprehensive constitutional, legal, judicial, and administrative reforms.
Furthermore, PMLN’s policy vision encompasses family planning, educational reform, digital development, and integrating transport systems. The party also plans to rejuvenate tourism, address minority rights, modernize agriculture, empower women, and introduce a new labor policy.
As the election draws near, both PTI and PMLN have presented their contrasting manifestos, outlining their distinct visions for Pakistan’s future. Voters will soon decide which path the country will take.
