In the endeavor to revitalize Pakistan’s economic trajectory, the core tenets of Nawaz Sharif’s party’s unveiled agenda include a commitment to fostering amity with India, addressing climate change, and adopting a stringent stance against terrorism.

 

As the impending February 8th general elections draw near, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Sharif, presents a manifesto characterized by a diplomatic outreach towards India, contingent upon a reversal of New Delhi’s actions concerning Kashmir since August 2019, as reported by Dawn.com citing the manifesto.

 

India has consistently asserted its sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 falls within its constitutional prerogatives. The manifesto further underscores a resolve to mitigate the repercussions of climate change and pursue a policy of unwavering opposition to terrorism.

Additional focal points of the PML-N’s agenda encompass ensuring a sustainable water supply and revitalizing the economy through bolstered exports.

 

Unveiled in a dedicated event in Punjab’s provincial capital, the PML-N subsequently disseminated its comprehensive manifesto, titled ‘Pakistan ko Nawaz do,’ via its official channels. The party pledges, if elected, to facilitate affordable and augmented electricity access alongside rapid infrastructural development. Specific pledges entail a 20 to 30 percent reduction in electricity tariffs, a 15,000-megawatt increase in power generation, and the establishment of a 10,000-megawatt solar energy capacity, as per Dawn newspaper’s coverage.

 

Furthermore, the party commits to enhancing youth representation across national, provincial, and local governing bodies, advocating for the reinstatement of student unions, expanding the National Youth Scheme, supporting IT startups, and fostering youth entrepreneurship. It also vows to establish Pakistan’s inaugural sports university, along with 250 stadiums and academies, while prioritizing youth skill development.

 

Proposed reforms span constitutional, legal, judicial, and administrative domains, alongside initiatives to curb violence against minorities, modernize agriculture, and empower women. Additionally, the manifesto pledges a revamped labor policy to safeguard workers’ rights and advocates for televising court proceedings if the PML-N secures electoral victory, as per The News International.

 

Sharif reflects on the resilience of his party amid political adversity, asserting a commitment to contesting elections and unveiling manifestos despite past challenges. In veiled criticism directed at his successor, Imran Khan, Sharif contrasts his own hypothetical governance approach, suggesting a departure from the policies implemented under Khan’s tenure.

 

Castigating the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s economic policies, Sharif alleges that Khan’s administration exacerbated inflation and electricity shortages, contrasting his own tenure, which he claims was devoid of such economic strains.

 

Pakistan grapples with profound economic challenges, teetering on the brink of a monumental financial crisis in the absence of long-overdue structural reforms urged by international financial institutions and bilateral partners. The crux of Pakistan’s economic predicament stems from its soaring debt burden, which stood at nearly USD 125 billion owed to external creditors, with approximately one-third attributed to China, as of 2023.