LAHORE:The general election is around in Pakistan but none of the political parties has public their party manifesto or an economic plan, rather just busy in political maneuvering to get into the power again and least concerned with the growing economic problems of the masses.
These views were expressed by the discussants in Jang Economic Session on ‘General Election 2024 - Political parties shall announce their manifesto’. The panelists were Sohail Lashari, Farooq Tariq, Dr Saluhdin Ayubi, Aima Mehmood, and Rana Sajjad while moderated by Sikindar Lodhi.
Talking on this occasion, Sohail Lashari said economy runs with good governance while no change in expected in the next 15-20 years. Pakistan is lacking both in leadership and public thinking. Political leadership is one-man show and those who raised voice usually thrown out of the party, he added.
He said that one can realise a change in the public frame of mind in the present era. ‘It is right time for our authorities to evolve a policy framework with the consultation of all the stakeholders to improve the life of common man’. Establishing election credibility is crucial and Pakistan is important for everyone than any political party, he asserted.
Farooq Tariq said that unfortunately no political party has put the election manifesto before the public. Only the face of the new alliance and traditional capitalist politics is visible. The PTI is facing the consequences of its actions, but arrests, political abuses and revenge must stop, he added.
Farooq Tariq said in the prevailing situation, the upcoming election could prove to be the most difficult election of the history. The Palestine issue will be important in the election and religious political parties could use it in election. Evacuation of Afghans will impact in KP and Balochistan political scenarios, he maintained.
Dr Saluhdin Ayubi said the political parties always announced their manifesto very late. There is no issue for the major political parties to give manifesto as it never implemented. Political parties has not given and economic plan and it seems that they want to come into power only for enjoyment, he said.
He added that the political parties shall make the shadow cabinet and present economic plan to the public while the business chambers, trade bodies and civil society shall play their role in it.
Aima Mehmood said that there are countless political parties in Pakistan, but none of them have economic plan and each party make tall claims but factually come into power with the support of establishment. Literally, this is a mockery to democracy, she lamented.
She blamed that both government and media are responsible for this situation. The media did not ask the political parties where are those jobs and economic growth which was announced in political speeches. The political leaderships also make policies on personal likings and disliking, she added.
Rana Sajjad said that every government gives its policy but unfortunately, they did not focus on the given policies. ‘The think tanks in Pakistan are good but their suggestions are not implemented’. Every government approaches the IMF, which is globally a failed institution. There is need of ten years plans for economic development and continuity in the policies, he concluded.