Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) has unveiled its 29-point manifesto for the February 8 general election, vowing to uphold the supremacy of the Parliament.
The manifesto also promises economic reforms but most importantly it offers an alternative to the judicial system.
PMLN, which is being labelled as the front-runner in the elections, presented its manifesto to the public with the theme “Pakistan ko suchay Manshoor say Nawaz do.” The line translates to “Honour Pakistan with a true manifesto.” However, there is a play on the word Nawaz (honour) as it is also the name of the party leader Nawaz Sharif.
The manifesto was unveiled at a ceremony in Lahore, where the party’s supremo, Nawaz Sharif, appeared as the chief guest alongside Shahbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and other top party leaders.
Another line from the manifesto read “9th May Waly Nahi 28 May Waly” – referring to the May 9 violence blamed on PTI and the May 28 nuclear test led by PMLN.
The objectives of the policy indicate that the party will focus on projects being supervised by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). But there are promises about reforms of the justice system as well.
Points of manifesto
All government offices will be made environmentally friendly.
The supremacy of Parliament will be ensured.
Articles 62 and 63 will be restored to their original state.
An alternative system will be established to resolve disputes instead of relying solely on judicial, legal, or traditional panchayat systems.
The judicial, legal, and justice systems will be reformed.
A timely and effective judicial system will be implemented.
There will be effective, fair, and timely prosecution.
Major and difficult cases will be decided within a year, while small cases will be resolved within two months.
NAB (National Accountability Bureau) will be abolished, and anti-corruption institutions and agencies will be strengthened.
The Penal Code of 1898 and 1906 will be amended.
Interest-free loans will be provided to small farmers.
Modern technology will be utilized to mitigate crop damage.
Efforts will be made to promote peace across borders.
Special Councils and Implementation Councils will be established to drive agricultural innovation effectively.
These councils will provide quarterly reports on the government’s performance.
The governance system will be reformed.
Over 10 million jobs will be created.
Focus will be placed on reducing poverty and unemployment.
The budget for education will be increased.
Continuous power supply at affordable rates will be ensured.
Cancer hospitals will be established in every province.
Free treatment facilities will be provided for low-income individuals.
Efforts will be made to build economic development, peace, and mutual respect in relations with India.
Additionally, short and long-term plans to provide relief to the people, including a promise to address the issue of high electricity bills, are also included in the PML-N’s election manifesto.
