Only PPP, PTI manifestos outline basic changes

ISLAMABAD: Manifestos of only Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have specific and substantive legislative agendas. No other mainstream political party boasts of such plans.

In fact, PTI’s manifesto dedicates almost a complete chapter outlining its legislative agenda.

Meanwhile, PML-N’s manifesto mainly focuses on development projects without any specific legislative goals.

Highlighting the effects of depoliticising key institutions, PTI’s manifesto aims to strengthen police, replicating the KP Police Act of 2017 across the country.

It also calls for appointing professional inspectors-general (IG) to lead the depoliticised police departments in other provinces.



PTI also intends to launch a comprehensive judicial reforms programme, providing quick and quality justice for all citizens by reforming the criminal justice system.

Terming laws and procedures in Pakistan weak, archaic and ineffective, PTI’s manifesto stresses the need for amending specific laws in a piecemeal manner.

It also talks about factors leading to delays in resolving cases, citing weak implementation of laws as a major cause in this regard.

PTI’s manifesto also cited capacity constraints that resulted in a national caseload backlog of more than two million cases.

It in its manifesto, PTI promises to facilitate the common man through legislative reforms with access to Right to Information and Right to Services.

According to its manifesto, the 2002 Freedom of Information Ordinance needs major tweaking to make it more public-friendly.

PPP’s manifesto boasts about formulating new laws at the federal and provincial levels to ensure the provision of basic health facilities for all.

It states that if voted into power, the PPP will work for providing mandatory health facilities at federal and provincial levels.

Outlining a mother and child support programme, PPP’s manifesto assures quick implementation.

It also assures about formulating legislation for reproductive health rights and differently-abled people.

The PPP promises to continue to discuss modalities of electing women on reserved seats in the provincial and national assemblies.

“Our aim is to progressively increase reserved seats in assemblies and Senate from 17% to 33%,” the PPP’s manifesto stated.



Based on the recommendations of a task force (having the representation of parliament and other stakeholders), PPP will initiate necessary legislation and constitutional amendments to formally reform the civil services.

It also talks about devising appropriate legislation to address issues in the devolution of higher education, removing confusion and distrust.

Issues in non-implementation of Articles 154 and 158 of the Constitution will be taken up via appropriate constitutional mechanisms, the PPP manifesto stated.

Relevant laws will be amended to reflect the true intent of the 18th amendment, it stated.

PPP manifesto also talks about carving out a new province in the southern Punjab region.

It also talks about formulating laws on matters including, ‘the Right to Life: extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and others.

“We will introduce legislation specifically for the protection and security of journalists,” it promised.

“We will pursue the anti-torture Bill, already passed unanimously by the Senate, in the joint session of the parliament so that it may be passed by the National Assembly.

“Will ensure legislative measures to create equal opportunities for minorities; Prevent forced conversion through legislative measures,” the manifesto read.

PML-N’s manifesto promises to improve the legislative framework and compliance with regard to climate change.

It also talks about establishing and strengthening the Pakistan Climate Change Council.

Highlighting the need to make Pakistan a peaceful and progressive country, PML-N’s manifesto promises the people to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

It also assures of adequate rights to minorities.

PML-N’s manifesto also aims to revise media laws, providing public access to information in line with democratic principles.

Emphasising upon the need for strengthening labour and occupational safety laws, PML-N’ manifesto also promises reforms in the justice system while pledging to expand the PM’s Healthcare Programme across Pakistan.