PPP vows to debate defence budget in parliament

In its manifesto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led party also proposes amending Article 184

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party has vowed to debate the defence budget in the parliament to institutionlise better ‘oversight’ of defence expenditure.

In its manifesto released ahead of the general elections, the party proposes changes in foreign policy which may irk the security establishment. It also suggests amending Article 184 (3) of the Constitution – used by the Supreme Court on enforcement of fundamental rights.



"Article 184(3) has been used in ways that does not inspire great confidence in its use by courts to issues in human rights. This article will be revisited in the light of Article 10 (A) of the Constitution introduced through 18th Amendment guaranteeing the right to fair trial, observations/ recommendations of International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and various bar bodies in the country,” stated the manifesto.

On the issue of military courts, PPP said it will revisit the tenure of military courts. It stressed on the need to ensure that there was no injustice. Stating that the state and society were sensitised enough to abolish capital punishment, the Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led party is determined to review offences carrying death penalty.

PPP has also shown intend to curtain exploitation of religion. While discussing the issues of extra judicial killing and enforced disappearance, the political party said that the situation must not be allowed to continue.

The manifesto has also laid out plans for ties with New Delhi. Stressing on normalisation of the relationship between the two rival neighbours, PPP stated on uninterrupted dialogue on all outstanding disputes and issues without preconditions is way forward.

For Balochistan, the leftist party suggests a cross party parliamentary commission to debate political and security dialogue while a truth and reconciliation commission has been proposed for post-conflict area in the country.