Pakistan has geared up for the elections due next month. All the political parties are in the fray with great vigour to capture the reins of power. The Pakistan Muslim League- Quaid (PML-Q) with much hope of winning the elections is facing the electorate promising a democratic political culture, right to dissent and the rejection of the culture of revenge – which is highlighted in its Manifesto.
Revolving round the vision of five D’s -- Democracy, Development, Devolution, Diversity and Defense – the PML(Q)’s manifesto has come up with two mottos "Live and Let live" and "Giving hope to the Hopeless". The Manifesto in truth resolves to restore the people’s faith in national institutions and combat the evils of sectarianism and parochialism.
The first ‘D’ of democracy has a great vision envisaged in it when it says it will promote a Culture of Conciliation and reject the Culture of Revenge, which is one of the main causes of the country’s recurring political stability. On the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the PML (Q) says that the area needs a healing touch. It stands for a political process in FATA.
The PML (Q) promises to develop an enterprise culture, which develops skills, supports workers and creates jobs. Another area that the party focuses is Agriculture, for which it says appropriate steps will be taken to increase agricultural production to develop food self-sufficiency and to promote high value crops for export. Another area that the PML (Q) focuses is education. Having a great vision for an educated Pakistan, the PML (Q) promises to build a modern developed society and to ensure free and universal primary education.
It also makes a commitment for mass literacy in the country within the next 10 years and modernization of Madrassa education. It has proclaimed that the Higher Education Commission would be made autonomous and encouraged to improve quality of universities, a great revolutionary idea to transform quality education. The manifesto has strongly come up against corruption and promises to establish an independent, non-partisan anti-corruption institution, free of government control, with a view to attacking corruption without fear or favor.
A pro-poor manifesto, it refers to the development of rural communities and promoting self -reliance through skills. It also envisages low cost housing under the ‘’Cheap Homes initiatives. ’’ The PML (Q) promises to launch a Village Development Initiative for integrated development of rural communities, comprising some 70% of the population, which it believes will generate villages’ productive capacity in such areas as cottage industry and handicrafts, vocational training, milk preservation and livestock development.
Noting that Pluralism strengthens the democratic functioning of the Federation, the PML (Q) focuses on the development of women by ensuring their participation in national development. In a bold statement, the manifesto ensures the end of unjust and unacceptable practices like Wanni, Karokari, honor killings, marriage with the Qur'an, etc. It also states that the minorities will have full freedom of worship and the right to employment in all sectors of the country, which clearly shows that the manifesto had covered all sections in the society that has not been addresses to by others.
Committed to the security of the country, the PNL (Q) wishes in establishing an indigenous defence capability and defense production. In strong words, the manifesto clearly underlines that Pakistan’s nuclear program was a vital component of Pakistan’s national security and served both as deterrence against aggression and to preserve and protect the national independence. It boldly rules out allowing any intrusion into its nuclear installations and scientists to outsiders.
Pointing out that the peace process with India will be pursued with vigor, it has specified that it supported the right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through implementing UN resolutions. The PML (Q) will support any settlement of Kashmir that is just and honourable and which is acceptable to the Kashmiri people.
With a far-reaching vision, the PML (Q) is claiming to be for a democratic society to build a better tomorrow. Only a few days are left to see if the people have accepted the five D’s or not.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
PML(N) Manifesto: A Vision Document to Steer the Country Ahead?
Only two weeks left for elections in Pakistan, the campaign has gained momentum with all the political parties engaged in fierce campaigns. All the parties contesting the elections have promised a peaceful and developed Pakistan. The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), one of the leading campaigners, has come out with a national agenda and vision for harnessing the nation’s positive energies. It also pledges to seek national reconciliation, national dialogue and national consensus on the future agenda of the country.
The PML(N) has a broader vision, clearly depicted in the manifesto, which says will strive for political stability, sustained economic growth and national solidarity. The great strength of the manifesto is that it promises to take all the people into confidence for maintaining rule of the law and prosperity and transferring the country into a peaceful, economically stable and a better nation.
Lambasting against the military regime throughout the manifesto, the PML(N) has called for casting votes for parties striving for democracy and to reject those that provided a civilian façade to the military rule. Without any fear for anyone, the manifesto underlines that the repeated interference of military leadership in the political affairs was the crux of Pakistan’s failure in developing a sustainable democracy. It also promises to abolish the National Security Council, brainchild of General Musharaf, and also to bring the defence budget within the purview of the National Assembly.
The manifesto promises revival of “genuine democracy” ensuring that the armed forces perform only such functions as are assigned to them under the Constitution and also to re-establish the supremacy of parliament, which had always been threatened by military regimes in the Pakistani history. Stating that the judicial crisis, after the removal of the chief justice of Pakistan, has rendered a heavy blow, the manifesto also promises to take effective steps to protect the independence and dignity of the judicial system.
Further, the PML(N) commits to take stern steps to eradicate the menace of terrorism and extremism, that has gripped the country in the recent times. Another prominent issue that figures in the Manifesto is the contentious Jammu and Kashmir issue, with its neighbour India. It clearly states that serious efforts would be taken to resolve the issue.
On the upliftment of the poor and the down trodden in the society, the PML(N) has come up with many pro-poor packages, which it says would be able to give great relief. Declaring to change the face of agriculture, the manifesto promises to turn agriculture into a fully viable economic industry by changing the policy framework and terms of trade. In the last parts of the manifesto, moreover the party affirms novel schemes and policies for the unemployed youth and for ensuring dignity and protection of women.
Last but not the least, it also declares to create a much tolerant and pluralistic society. The party asserts to bring in a special package for empowering the Northern Areas to provide the people of the region justice and to ensure human rights.
With just a few days left for the elections, only time can say how far the people have accepted the manifesto. The PML (N) has a great vision for the future and wants to create a new history of Pakistan. The PML(N) with its past experience and competence has come up with a broad vision to steer the country to prosperity. One should have to wait till the elections to see if the PML(N) can lead the nation.
The PML(N) has a broader vision, clearly depicted in the manifesto, which says will strive for political stability, sustained economic growth and national solidarity. The great strength of the manifesto is that it promises to take all the people into confidence for maintaining rule of the law and prosperity and transferring the country into a peaceful, economically stable and a better nation.
Lambasting against the military regime throughout the manifesto, the PML(N) has called for casting votes for parties striving for democracy and to reject those that provided a civilian façade to the military rule. Without any fear for anyone, the manifesto underlines that the repeated interference of military leadership in the political affairs was the crux of Pakistan’s failure in developing a sustainable democracy. It also promises to abolish the National Security Council, brainchild of General Musharaf, and also to bring the defence budget within the purview of the National Assembly.
The manifesto promises revival of “genuine democracy” ensuring that the armed forces perform only such functions as are assigned to them under the Constitution and also to re-establish the supremacy of parliament, which had always been threatened by military regimes in the Pakistani history. Stating that the judicial crisis, after the removal of the chief justice of Pakistan, has rendered a heavy blow, the manifesto also promises to take effective steps to protect the independence and dignity of the judicial system.
Further, the PML(N) commits to take stern steps to eradicate the menace of terrorism and extremism, that has gripped the country in the recent times. Another prominent issue that figures in the Manifesto is the contentious Jammu and Kashmir issue, with its neighbour India. It clearly states that serious efforts would be taken to resolve the issue.
On the upliftment of the poor and the down trodden in the society, the PML(N) has come up with many pro-poor packages, which it says would be able to give great relief. Declaring to change the face of agriculture, the manifesto promises to turn agriculture into a fully viable economic industry by changing the policy framework and terms of trade. In the last parts of the manifesto, moreover the party affirms novel schemes and policies for the unemployed youth and for ensuring dignity and protection of women.
Last but not the least, it also declares to create a much tolerant and pluralistic society. The party asserts to bring in a special package for empowering the Northern Areas to provide the people of the region justice and to ensure human rights.
With just a few days left for the elections, only time can say how far the people have accepted the manifesto. The PML (N) has a great vision for the future and wants to create a new history of Pakistan. The PML(N) with its past experience and competence has come up with a broad vision to steer the country to prosperity. One should have to wait till the elections to see if the PML(N) can lead the nation.
Manifesto of PPP: The words that can revive Pakistan?
Days are closing down on Pakistan
political parties, already in the arena, are fighting it
hard to make a breakthrough in Pakistan
are already in the race with people friendly visions and a
manifesto that proclaims a prosperous Pakistan
primarily on resolving the problems of the depressed class,
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which was the first to come
out with a manifesto, rallies round “Roti, Kupra and Makan”
(Food, Cloth and Shelter).
The PPP’s manifesto based on the Five E’s – employment,
education, energy, environment and equality is historic
and revolutionary. Proclaiming that the PPP’s commitment
to the people of Pakistan
are our responsibility”, the PPP has a broad vision of
transforming the lives of the people from one of despair
and poverty into one of hope and opportunity through the
five E’s. Further committed to the upliftment of the
downtrodden in the society, it promises to build a
hopeful future for the poverty stricken.
The PPP has a very clear vision for creating employment
through its various initiatives, including a Public
Works program, which guarantees employment for one
working member in the poorest families. This could change
the face of unemployment in the country, where
unemployment is on an increase like any other place. In a
major development, the PPP in its manifesto says that it
will bring in reforms in the madrasas and also in it
syllabus. As part of its program to extend help to the
downtrodden, Apna Ghar, free boarding schools for socially
and economically disadvantaged children would be started
across the country. Aiming at a great leap in the energy
sector, the PPP promises to address the power shortage in
a war footing.
Stressing that it would reverse the order of priorities,
whereby social policy objectives drive economic policy.
A clear vision for development, the manifesto says
development shall be measured in terms of welfare of the
people rather than in terms of financial statistics.
The PPP’s manifesto, which is considered to be so
progressive in vision and thought, also has innovative
program for strengthening and expanding social protection
programs like Zakat, social security and Baitul Mal. It
also promises financial support to the senior citizens in
its targeted poverty programs. Cutting edge on the
judiciary, it wants to make reforms in the judicial system.
Another challenging area that the PPP has focused is the
Federally Administers Tribal Areas (FATA), which has
always been a hot bed for Pakistani politicians. Very
boldly, it says it will restore the authority of the
government in the tribal areas. The manifesto also
proclaims that it would extend the law of Pakistan
FATA. Well, another area of importance that the country
can’t ignore is Kashmir and also the confrontation with
its neighbor India
rights of the people of Kashmir , it ensures a composite
dialogue process with the neighbors. It also promises to
reduce the tension between the two countries and to help
in brining in friendly relations.
The manifesto has a clear vision of the future of Pakistan
and targets economic growth, combating employment,
targeted poverty programs, just labor policies, and
private sector as engines of growth, accelerating
agricultural and rural growth, ensuring water security
and energy infrastructure. Promising a better tomorrow,
the PPP is confident in leading the nation to prosperity,
which is quite evident in its manifesto. Again we have to
wait till January to see if the pro-people policies and
the five E’s had influenced the Pakistanis. Let’s wait
and see.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
A Manifesto for the Rising Pakistan?
With less than a month for the general elections in the country, Pakistanis are all set to receive the new parliament and ministers. For the first time in its political history of sixty years, between 2002 and 2007, Pakistan had a full tenure of five years for the government at national and provincial levels. In this backdrop, Pakistanis are ready for a peaceful general election which is scheduled on January 8, 2008. Contesting in this election, the MQM or the Muttahida Quami movement produced their new manifesto which is deliberate and meets the needs of the present-day Pakistan.
The MQM launched its election campaign with the slogan that yells "Amn, Taraqi, Khushhali," or peace, progress and prosperity. You would know the reason why the party chose that slogan for their campaign, if you read through the manifesto for the general elections. Dr. Farooq Sattar, one of the most senior party leaders, read out the new manifesto last Thursday near the party headquarters in Karachi. The inclusion of provincial autonomy in the present manifesto explains that it is done to favor the linguistic and ethnic minorities living in the smaller provinces of the country. This would require the federation to merely control the currency, defense and the foreign affairs.
The MQM wanted a drastic change in the education sector with 20% of the revenue expenditure going to the education sector. Dr. Sattar harped on the point that the education should be made compulsory till matriculation, that is, the tenth grade. In addition, they will consider revising teachers' salaries. He promised that the party will work towards increasing the public expenditure on health from 0.6 % to 4% ofGDP during next five years. The later part of the manifesto concentrates on improving the health institutes in Pakistan. The party has plans to set up liver institutes, trauma centers and renovation of over 2,000 health clinics throughout the country.
Considering the agricultural system of Pakistan, the MQM has plans to uproot the feudal system. This will mean that a majority of the argicultural income will go to the cultivators and grassroot level organizations for the welfare of farmers. The party furthermore suggests an autonomous, impartial and independent judiciary, and reorganization of the police under the control of an elected commissioner.
Dr. Sattar had some points to improve the transport system where the party would like to induce rapid mass transit system and environment friendly buses. The MQM will make improvements in the light and heavy industries and consumer goods industries which will attract considerable investments options to the country. With the improved financial system, the party is also hopeful of reducing the non-development expenditure and that, "All the loans of the big fishes [sic] written off would be clawed back and spent for the betterment of the people."
The ninth out of the seventeen point manifesto explained the need of decision-making by the federal and provincial cabinets instead of the Chief minister and Prime minister, respectively. Unlike the other times in the Pakistan history of elections, the party will have at least 5% representation of the religious minorities in the "Legislative Bodies." It is a dominating point in the manifesto that MQM will take initiative to improve the friendly relations with other countries, especially with India. Thus they would bring about a solid solution to the Kashmir issue.
It is beyond any doubt that the MQM has done its homework. Their manifesto speaks like a dream that every Pakistani would love to materialize. Only time will tell us how this well-primed manifesto is going to appeal to the Pakistani voters. We will have to wait for the results to know that, but one thing is sure that these ideas are going to take Pakistan to new heights in economy and present a new face of Pakistan in the international arena.
Note: The English version of the manifesto has many errors related to grammar and style, which were not corrected even by December 20, 2007.
The MQM launched its election campaign with the slogan that yells "Amn, Taraqi, Khushhali," or peace, progress and prosperity. You would know the reason why the party chose that slogan for their campaign, if you read through the manifesto for the general elections. Dr. Farooq Sattar, one of the most senior party leaders, read out the new manifesto last Thursday near the party headquarters in Karachi. The inclusion of provincial autonomy in the present manifesto explains that it is done to favor the linguistic and ethnic minorities living in the smaller provinces of the country. This would require the federation to merely control the currency, defense and the foreign affairs.
The MQM wanted a drastic change in the education sector with 20% of the revenue expenditure going to the education sector. Dr. Sattar harped on the point that the education should be made compulsory till matriculation, that is, the tenth grade. In addition, they will consider revising teachers' salaries. He promised that the party will work towards increasing the public expenditure on health from 0.6 % to 4% ofGDP during next five years. The later part of the manifesto concentrates on improving the health institutes in Pakistan. The party has plans to set up liver institutes, trauma centers and renovation of over 2,000 health clinics throughout the country.
Considering the agricultural system of Pakistan, the MQM has plans to uproot the feudal system. This will mean that a majority of the argicultural income will go to the cultivators and grassroot level organizations for the welfare of farmers. The party furthermore suggests an autonomous, impartial and independent judiciary, and reorganization of the police under the control of an elected commissioner.
Dr. Sattar had some points to improve the transport system where the party would like to induce rapid mass transit system and environment friendly buses. The MQM will make improvements in the light and heavy industries and consumer goods industries which will attract considerable investments options to the country. With the improved financial system, the party is also hopeful of reducing the non-development expenditure and that, "All the loans of the big fishes [sic] written off would be clawed back and spent for the betterment of the people."
The ninth out of the seventeen point manifesto explained the need of decision-making by the federal and provincial cabinets instead of the Chief minister and Prime minister, respectively. Unlike the other times in the Pakistan history of elections, the party will have at least 5% representation of the religious minorities in the "Legislative Bodies." It is a dominating point in the manifesto that MQM will take initiative to improve the friendly relations with other countries, especially with India. Thus they would bring about a solid solution to the Kashmir issue.
It is beyond any doubt that the MQM has done its homework. Their manifesto speaks like a dream that every Pakistani would love to materialize. Only time will tell us how this well-primed manifesto is going to appeal to the Pakistani voters. We will have to wait for the results to know that, but one thing is sure that these ideas are going to take Pakistan to new heights in economy and present a new face of Pakistan in the international arena.
Note: The English version of the manifesto has many errors related to grammar and style, which were not corrected even by December 20, 2007.
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