IPP unveils populist manifesto

Promises free electricity for consumers of up to 300 units, half petrol price for motorcyclists

LAHORE:

The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) on Saturday unveiled an ambitious manifesto, promising free electricity for agriculture tube wells and small consumers consuming up to 300 units as well as raising the minimum wage to Rs50,000.

The newly formed party has also promised to subsidise petrol prices by half for motorcyclists, as well as provisions for residential apartments and three-marla plots for the urban and rural populations, respectively.

This bold manifesto was unveiled by IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan during a public rally in Jehania, Khanewal. The event saw the participation of party supporters from Jehania, as well as Lodhran – the hometown of IPP Chairman Jehangir Khan Tareen, along with individuals from nearby areas.

In his address to the party workers, Tareen expressed his unwavering dedication to the mission of propelling Pakistan towards prosperity.

He asserted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) original dream of fostering economic growth across various sectors had been replaced by other priorities.

To critics questioning the influx of PTI leaders into the IPP, Tareen underscored that these individuals were joining the IPP to carry forward their vision of a flourishing Pakistan.

He stressed that the nation's development was intricately linked with the growth and progress of its population.

Outlining the core pillars of the IPP's manifesto, Tareen highlighted the significance of youth development, agricultural advancement, and industrial progress. He noted that the party's initial public rally commenced in a small rural town of South Punjab as a testament to their commitment to prioritising the development of rural areas and agriculture.

Read also: Key PTI women party members join Tareen’s IPP

Meanwhile, the IPP president urged the people of Pakistan to consider whether they wished to give another opportunity to the longstanding incumbent leaders or opt for a new leadership with a genuine vision for the country's development.

He criticised the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), particularly the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), for continuously seeking another chance despite their lengthy periods in power.

Highlighting the IPP's comprehensive plan for national progress, Aleem underscored that the party's objective was to provide equitable infrastructure akin to that in major cities, implement programmes for the empowerment of women and youth, create employment opportunities, and offer interest-free loans to aspiring young entrepreneurs.

Additionally, the IPP intends to provide free electricity to small-scale agriculturalists with 12 acres of land or less, establish medical dispensaries, install water filtration plants in each union council, and grant ownership rights to residents of informal settlements (katchi abadis).

Aleem called on rally participants to reject the incumbent leaders who have held power for numerous terms, urging them not to welcome these figures into their homes when they come seeking votes.

He assured supporters that the IPP would remain by their side.

The IPP has announced a series of political rallies, with the next one scheduled to take place in Hafizabad on Nov 3, followed by events in Narowal on Nov 9, Layyah on Nov 12, Kasur on Nov 17, Gujranwala on Nov 20, Jhang on Nov 24, Sahiwal on Dec 2 and Faisalabad on Dec 9.