PTI unveils ‘justice for all’ manifesto

13-point document not completely free of controversy.

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf unveiled its 13-point manifesto on Tuesday, placing internal security on top of its agenda and pledging justice for all.

The manifesto also promises a sovereign foreign policy based on friendly ties with all states, including India and the US.

The party has identified six areas, which, according to it, are driving forces for terror and lawlessness across the country.

The real and perceived disenfranchisement of Balochistan and the Pakistani Taliban trying to enforce their interpretation of Shariah are included in that list, along with sectarian and ethnic violence.

Interestingly, the online version of the manifesto also lists “Kashmiri jihadi forces working from within Pakistan” as one such factor. However, the hard copy of the manifesto distributed by the PTI at a press briefing on Tuesday does not mention “Kashmiri jihadi forces” at all.

The PTI’s senior leader Dr Shireen Mazari categorically denied that this point was included in her party’s manifesto. “The PTI’s official manifesto did not carry this controversial point,” she clarified.

The manifesto also states that PTI would extricate Pakistan from the US-led war on terror and also make the National Counter-Terrorism Authority an effective authority with high-level representation from the armed forces as well as civilian and intelligence agencies.

“If PTI comes to power there will be no difference between rich and poor,” said Mazari, while reading out the manifesto at a local hotel in Islamabad.

Regarding the unrest in Karachi, the manifesto states, “Our motive is to make Karachi free from arms and ammunition.” It further outlined that the defence budget will be debated in an in-camera session of the Parliament.

Speaking on the occasion, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said if his party came to power, it would put an end to load shedding within two to three years. Pakistan Railways and Pakistan International Airlines would be converted into autonomous entities, he added. Imran also vowed to wipe out corruption within 90 days of coming into power.

“No other party has made any such policies, if you want, you can compare our manifesto to theirs,” he claimed.

Some salient features of the manifesto are:

1. To bring the nation out of the US-led war on terror

2. To create employment in rural areas and establish a Technical Certification Institute

3. To establish a whistle-blower programme to allow citizens to report unsavoury behaviour by individuals or entities

4. Announce an election schedule for local government within the first 100 days of formation of a government

5. Introduce regulations to ensure fees structure of private schools is equal to the quality of education they provide

6. Withdraw all indemnities, privileges and rebates or subsidies extended to elected representatives and government officials, including the president and prime minister.

7. All governance in cities and towns would be devolved to the municipality and the city government will raise independent revenue for city development.

8. Primary healthcare for the poor and elderly will be free

9. The policy of fighting wars for others and acting as a surrogate for any power will not pursued any further

10. Natural resources will be exploited for the development of the country

11. Pakistan’s strategic location will be used to strengthen the nation by becoming a lucrative trade and energy corridor

12. Agriculture reforms would also be put in place and 15% agriculture tax would be introduced on land exceeding 50 acres

13. Justice will be ensured for women, minorities, the poor, the dispossessed and disadvantaged

14. One system of education for all citizens would be ensured


Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2013.