Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has recently revealed its election manifesto, gearing up for the February 8 polls with a promise to steer the nation away from its perceived “bad past.” In an announcement made in Islamabad, former PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, accompanied by Information Secretary Raoof Hasan, outlined the party’s vision encapsulated in the motto “Great Pakistan, great future, and freedom from bad past.” This unveiling comes on the heels of similar moves by rival political entities such as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
PTI, grappling with legal and political challenges, including the loss of its “bat” symbol due to intra-party poll irregularities, is striving to present a unified front ahead of the polls. Key leaders, like founder Imran Khan, are entangled in legal matters. Despite being a “leaderless” party, PTI recently secured relief from the Supreme Court, allowing key figures to contest in the upcoming elections.
Also Read: PMLN finally unveils election Manifesto
Barrister Gohar highlighted the uphill electoral battle, citing hindrances faced by PTI in its campaign activities. He called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure a level playing field, emphasizing the party’s demand for equal opportunities as both citizens and a political entity. Notably, PTI candidates are contesting with independent symbols due to the revocation of the party’s symbol.
The manifesto outlines a multifaceted approach, focusing on social and constitutional reforms. The party pledges to establish a truth and reconciliation commission, advocating for the rule of law and equal treatment for all citizens. Emphasizing the need to eliminate disparity between the rich and the poor, Barrister Gohar, a legal professional, stressed the fundamental importance of the rule of law.
Furthermore, PTI envisions modeling the country after the ‘Riyasat-i-Madina’ (State of Madina). The manifesto proposes reforms in the criminal justice system, including a revamped Code of Criminal Procedure. Constitutional reforms are also on the agenda, with plans to directly elect the prime minister, reduce the National Assembly’s tenure to four years, and introduce direct elections for 50% of Senators.
Addressing economic concerns, PTI pledges to reform the tax scheme, support farmers with subsidies, implement large-scale solar energy projects, and introduce a universal health card. Educational reforms, a singular education system, and values education for youth prosperity are additional components of the manifesto. PTI also emphasizes the importance of social security, anti-corruption initiatives, and an independent foreign policy based on equality with all countries. As PTI competes against PPP and PML-N, each with its own manifesto, the upcoming elections are poised to be a significant battleground for these political forces.
بانی چیئرمین عمران خان کی خصوصی ہدایات کی روشنی میں تحریک انصاف کے قومی و صوبائی اسمبلی کے امیدواران کل بروز اتوار اپنے حلقوں میں پرامن عوامی اجتماعات/ریلیوں کے انعقاد کے ذریعے باضابطہ طور پر اپنی انتخابی مہم کا آغاز کریں اور عوام کو 8 فروری کےانتخابات کیلئےتیار کریں۔
انتظامی… pic.twitter.com/pfBxSZ1o8b
— Barrister Gohar Khan (@BarristerGohar) January 27, 2024
