A Personal Message
From Nawaz Sharif
President PML(N)
As the nation prepares to go to the polls, it is of utmost importance that
we understand the enormity of the multiple challenges confronting
the nation. It is also of great significance that the nation recognizes
the instrumental role of Muslim League for overcoming them. It is the
same League that established Pakistan under the leadership of the
Quaid-e-Azam in accordance with the vision of Allama Iqbal. It is the same
League which built the infrastructural and policy framework for economic
development in 1990s. The same League that made Pakistan an invincible
nuclear power.
3
A Personal Message
From
President PML(N)
As the nation prepares to go to the polls, it is of utmost importance that
we understand the enormity of the multiple challenges confronting
the nation. It is also of great significance that the nation recognizes
the instrumental role of Muslim League for overcoming them. It is the
same League that established Pakistan under the leadership of the
Quaid-e-Azam in accordance with the vision of Allama Iqbal. It is the same
League which built the infrastructural and policy framework for economic
development in 1990s. The same League that made Pakistan an invincible
nuclear power.
4
We are all aware of the enormous damage done to the country in the
past decade at the hands of authoritarian rulers and their inept and
corrupt successors after 1999. Poor governance, deteriorating law
and order situation, repeated breaches of sovereignty, widespread
corruption, galloping inflation, unprecedented load shedding, massive
unemployment and increasing poverty have left the citizens in a
vicious cycle of pain and suffering.
The challenge ahead of us is not only to re-establish the supremacy
of law and ensure respect for democratic institutions, but to create a
society that is based on social justice and ensures the well-being of all
Pakistanis without any discrimination.
My party’s manifesto for the coming elections presents a
comprehensive, all-embracing agenda for national renewal and real
change. Our’s is not an agenda only meant to merely overcome the
current crises. We are here to revive the confidence of people by
instilling hope and restoring national dignity and laying foundation for
a sustainable growth and development.
The manifesto sets out a realistic and sound framework for pulling back
the nation from the edge of abyss. This is to be achieved by means
of socio-economic development, generating opportunities and jobs,
based on equity, fairness and justice, on the foundation of democratic
principles and above all, of the rule of law.
Pakistan Muslim League (N) is the only political party which has the
vision, proven track record, and an experienced and competent team
to fulfill the dreams of Pakistan’s founding father. We will do this by
building consensus on major national issues and by bringing about
a real change in institutions, political culture and socio-economic
conditions of Pakistan. We are also committed to convert Pakistan’s
diverse cultural and ethnic heritage into its strength by promoting
inclusiveness and greater inter-provincial harmony.
4
We are all aware of the enormous damage done to the country in the
past decade at the hands of authoritarian rulers and their inept and
corrupt successors after 1999. Poor governance, deteriorating law
and order situation, repeated breaches of sovereignty, widespread
corruption, galloping inflation, unprecedented load shedding, massive
unemployment and increasing poverty have left the citizens in a
vicious cycle of pain and suffering.
The challenge ahead of us is not only to re-establish the supremacy
of law and ensure respect for democratic institutions, but to create a
society that is based on social justice and ensures the well-being of all
Pakistanis without any discrimination.
My party’s manifesto for the coming elections presents a
comprehensive, all-embracing agenda for national renewal and real
change. Our’s is not an agenda only meant to merely overcome the
current crises. We are here to revive the confidence of people by
instilling hope and restoring national dignity and laying foundation for
a sustainable growth and development.
The manifesto sets out a realistic and sound framework for pulling back
the nation from the edge of abyss. This is to be achieved by means
of socio-economic development, generating opportunities and jobs,
based on equity, fairness and justice, on the foundation of democratic
principles and above all, of the rule of law.
Pakistan Muslim League (N) is the only political party which has the
vision, proven track record, and an experienced and competent team
to fulfill the dreams of Pakistan’s founding father. We will do this by
building consensus on major national issues and by bringing about
a real change in institutions, political culture and socio-economic
conditions of Pakistan. We are also committed to convert Pakistan’s
diverse cultural and ethnic heritage into its strength by promoting
inclusiveness and greater inter-provincial harmony.
During both its tenures in power, the PML(N) fully demonstrated its
ability to make economy the centre piece of its priorities. Essentially,
because in the age of geo economics only nations with strong and
vibrant economies prosper. PML(N) brought about revolutionary
changes in the national economy, although both its tenures were
interrupted. In the short period of 2½ years from November 1990 to
April 1993, the Party initiated basic reforms. These reforms transformed
the nature of Pakistan’s economy from a closed and over-regulated
system to a more open and de-regulated framework. It brought about
a fundamental change in the environment for investment and business.
We also achieved notable success in resolving inter-provincial issues.
We achieved this milestone by concluding, through consensus, two
historic accords i.e. the Water Accord of March 1991, and the fourth
NFC Award of April 1991. A summary of main achievements of PML(N)
in both of its tenures is given in the Annexures for the keen readers.
I invite you all to join us in our mission to resurrect Pakistan as a
progressive and prosperous nation. In 21st century, let’s spearhead
as a moderate and modern welfare state with Islamic values where
everyone can live with equal opportunities, security & dignity
regardless of religion, ethnicity, or language. Creating headways in
conformity with the hopes and aspirations of our people, let’s foster
peace in our lives, in our region and in the comity of nations. It is in this
spirit and in the spirit of our founding fathers, that I entrust you with
this momentous manifesto.
Yours,
(Mohammad Nawaz Sharif)
President PML(N))
January 5, 20133
5
Economic
Revival
Economic
Revival
8
Economic Revival
Pakistan today faces enormous economic challenges. PML(N) is fully
aware of the fast declining trends in all macro-economic indicators.
This has been the result of inept federal government policies over the
last five years.
The country is currently trapped in a trajectory of low growth combined
with high inflation due to incompetence, poor governance and high
levels of corruption. In terms of GDP growth, this has been the worst
five years period in the entire history of Pakistan with a dismal annual
average growth of 2.9%. In terms of inflation, only once in Pakistan’s
history, we have witnessed a worse double digit inflationary spell than
the present tenure and that was in PPP’s first government from 1972 to
1977. This lethal combination of low growth and high inflation has led
to a massive increase in poverty and unemployment.
As in the 1990’s, PML(N)’s top priority will be the revival of the economy
to double the GDP growth rate from less than 3% in the past five years
to over 6% during the next five years. Economic revival in fact holds
the key for achieving other vital economic and social targets listed in
this manifesto.
Sustainable and inclusive economic growth requires:
.Optimum utilization of the country’s physical and human resources;
.Full exploitation of the technological potential in industry and
agriculture.
.Sound macro-economic policies to reduce deficits in the budget
and the balance of payments, curb inflationary pressures and
reduce country’s dependence on foreign loans and assistance.
.Democratic governance which requires supremacy of the
constitution and the rule of law in order to reduce corruption, tax
evasion, wasteful expenditure, misuse of power, and meets the
aspirations of the people.
8
Economic Revival
Pakistan today faces enormous economic challenges. PML(N) is fully
aware of the fast declining trends in all macro-economic indicators.
This has been the result of inept federal government policies over the
last five years.
The country is currently trapped in a trajectory of low growth combined
with high inflation due to incompetence, poor governance and high
levels of corruption. In terms of GDP growth, this has been the worst
five years period in the entire history of Pakistan with a dismal annual
average growth of 2.9%. In terms of inflation, only once in Pakistan’s
history, we have witnessed a worse double digit inflationary spell than
the present tenure and that was in PPP’s first government from 1972 to
1977. This lethal combination of low growth and high inflation has led
to a massive increase in poverty and unemployment.
As in the 1990’s, PML(N)’s top priority will be the revival of the economy
to double the GDP growth rate from less than 3% in the past five years
to over 6% during the next five years. Economic revival in fact holds
the key for achieving other vital economic and social targets listed in
this manifesto.
Sustainable and inclusive economic growth requires:
.Optimum utilization of the country’s physical and human resources;
.Full exploitation of the technological potential in industry and
agriculture.
.Sound macro-economic policies to reduce deficits in the budget
and the balance of payments, curb inflationary pressures and
reduce country’s dependence on foreign loans and assistance.
.Democratic governance which requires supremacy of the
constitution and the rule of law in order to reduce corruption, tax
evasion, wasteful expenditure, misuse of power, and meets the
aspirations of the people.
9
One of the most important pre-requisite for higher GDP growth will
be to raise the investment – GDP ratio from 12% at present to at
least 20% in the next 5 years. This has been a benchmark which was
achieved during the first tenure of PML(N) in the early 1990’s. A balance
will be struck between fiscal consolidation and growth. Despite the
unfavorable security and law and order situation, the investment
climate can significantly improve with improved governance.
In the absence of single strong driver of growth at present, Pakistan
has to create several mutually reinforcing engines of growth to meet
the emerging economic challenges in this age of globalization. PML(N)
will give special priority to the following sectors:
.Higher investment in the energy sector as outlined in chapter 2 of
this manifesto.
.Attracting foreign investment in the agriculture and livestock sectors
to facilitate exports of high value products to regional markets.
.Converting at least 50% of the remittances by Overseas Pakistanis
into investments. These remittances currently stand at US$ 13
billion a year. We intend to take this progressive initiative by offering
special financial products to Pakistani diaspora. This economic
revival driver will also feature identifying growth prospects in the IT
and other employment-oriented schemes will be encouraged.
.Large-scale infrastructure projects are catalysts for boosting the
economy. PML(N) will focus on motorways, dams, housing projects
and development of new urban centers and cities.
.Pakistan holds sizeable reservoirs of oil, gas and other minerals.
PML(N) will pursue mineral exploration and abstraction with
renewed vigor while ensuring absolute protection of the interests
of the nation. Foreign investment would be encouraged and
facilitated in this sector. Development of this sector will be a game
changer for Pakistan’s economy.
.A vibrant domestic commerce is a pre-requisite for innovation
entrepreneurship, quality assurance and product development. It
stimulates growth in the private sector and positions countries to
9
One of the most important pre-requisite for higher GDP growth will
be to raise the investment – GDP ratio from 12% at present to at
least 20% in the next 5 years. This has been a benchmark which was
achieved during the first tenure of PML(N) in the early 1990’s. A balance
will be struck between fiscal consolidation and growth. Despite the
unfavorable security and law and order situation, the investment
climate can significantly improve with improved governance.
In the absence of single strong driver of growth at present, Pakistan
has to create several mutually reinforcing engines of growth to meet
the emerging economic challenges in this age of globalization. PML(N)
will give special priority to the following sectors:
.Higher investment in the energy sector as outlined in chapter 2 of
this manifesto.
.Attracting foreign investment in the agriculture and livestock sectors
to facilitate exports of high value products to regional markets.
.Converting at least 50% of the remittances by Overseas Pakistanis
into investments. These remittances currently stand at US$ 13
billion a year. We intend to take this progressive initiative by offering
special financial products to Pakistani diaspora. This economic
revival driver will also feature identifying growth prospects in the IT
and other employment-oriented schemes will be encouraged.
.Large-scale infrastructure projects are catalysts for boosting the
economy. PML(N) will focus on motorways, dams, housing projects
and development of new urban centers and cities.
.Pakistan holds sizeable reservoirs of oil, gas and other minerals.
PML(N) will pursue mineral exploration and abstraction with
renewed vigor while ensuring absolute protection of the interests
of the nation. Foreign investment would be encouraged and
facilitated in this sector. Development of this sector will be a game
changer for Pakistan’s economy.
.A vibrant domestic commerce is a pre-requisite for innovation
entrepreneurship, quality assurance and product development. It
stimulates growth in the private sector and positions countries to
10
effectively expand into international markets. Domestic commerce
will be encouraged by focusing on areas like competitiveness,
protection, market regulation, wholesale markets, retail markets,
storage and warehousing, transportation and real estate.
As a part of our economic revival plan, PML(N) is setting the following
targets to be achieved during its tenure:
1. Budget Deficit will be brought down to 4%. This will be achieved
through:
a. Increase in revenues. Tax to GDP ratio to increase from 9% at
present to 15% by the end of 2018.
b. One-third reduction in current expenditures other than
salaries, allowances and pensions.
c. Losses from State Enterprises amounting to approx. Rs. 400
billion will be reduced through revamping / privatizing
these institutions.
2. Inflation will be brought down to single digit in the range of 7 or 8%
by:
a. Limiting government borrowing.
b. Decreasing tax rates.
c. Reducing energy shortage and cost of producing energy.
d. Lower interest rates through effective monetary policy.
e. Removing supply side bottlenecks through increased
agricultural output and reduced wastages.
3. Industrial manufacturing will be taken up to 7 or 8%.
4. Investment GDP ratio will rise to 20%.
Other initiatives for economic revival would include:
a. Open up markets and encourage regional trade. This will
open up avenues for investment, growth and jobs.
b. Large investment in human capital with improved service
delivery in health and education.
c. Further reforms in financial sector and capital markets.
d. Improved regulatory environment on national level.
e. Focus on youth and women.
10
effectively expand into international markets. Domestic commerce
will be encouraged by focusing on areas like competitiveness,
protection, market regulation, wholesale markets, retail markets,
storage and warehousing, transportation and real estate.
As a part of our economic revival plan, PML(N) is setting the following
targets to be achieved during its tenure:
1. Budget Deficit will be brought down to 4%. This will be achieved
through:
a. Increase in revenues. Tax to GDP ratio to increase from 9% at
present to 15% by the end of 2018.
b. One-third reduction in current expenditures other than
salaries, allowances and pensions.
c. Losses from State Enterprises amounting to approx. Rs. 400
billion will be reduced through revamping / privatizing
these institutions.
2. Inflation will be brought down to single digit in the range of 7 or 8%
by:
a. Limiting government borrowing.
b. Decreasing tax rates.
c. Reducing energy shortage and cost of producing energy.
d. Lower interest rates through effective monetary policy.
e. Removing supply side bottlenecks through increased
agricultural output and reduced wastages.
3. Industrial manufacturing will be taken up to 7 or 8%.
4. Investment GDP ratio will rise to 20%.
Other initiatives for economic revival would include:
a. Open up markets and encourage regional trade. This will
open up avenues for investment, growth and jobs.
b. Large investment in human capital with improved service
delivery in health and education.
c. Further reforms in financial sector and capital markets.
d. Improved regulatory environment on national level.
e. Focus on youth and women.
11
f. Reducing bureaucratic procedures to speed up decision
making.
PML(N) fully understands the gravity of the present global and national
economic crises and the enormity of the tasks outlined above, but
with clearly defined goals and objectives, strong leadership and highly
professional team, PML(N) is determined to bring about fundamental
and far reaching reforms and changes in the economic landscape of
the country. By completing its unfinished agenda of turning Pakistan
into Asia’s leading economy with high competitiveness, PML(N) will
shape a better Pakistan. This is being aimed at, to make Pakistan emerge
as one of the top ten economies of the world in the 21st century. A
national economic agenda 2025 shall be developed with consensus
for continuity in economic policies.
Industry and Trade:
Manufacturing is the third important sector of the economy accounting
for about 18% of GDP and 13% of total employment. For the economy
to grow and provide more jobs, the growth of the manufacturing
sector which has declined from an average of 7% to less than 3% in
the past 5 years must be restored. Closed industries will be revived
through appropriate and effective measures. This in turn will require
a major infusion of capital either through foreign direct investment
and domestic resources. We will ensure that ample credit is available
to the private sector, interest rates are conducive borrowing and there
is steady supply of energy to the industrial hubs.
An important element of industrial revival will be the adoption of
an export-led growth strategy supported by larger foreign direct
investments. This policy is crucial to the development of the economy
and will be pursued vigorously. Pakistan has remained dependent
on cotton and textile sectors as its main earner in the international
markets. Without incorporating value addition, technology and IT in our
export base, we will not be able to achieve the required acceleration in
exports. Tariffs will be reformed to eliminate the anti-export bias.
11
f. Reducing bureaucratic procedures to speed up decision
making.
PML(N) fully understands the gravity of the present global and national
economic crises and the enormity of the tasks outlined above, but
with clearly defined goals and objectives, strong leadership and highly
professional team, PML(N) is determined to bring about fundamental
and far reaching reforms and changes in the economic landscape of
the country. By completing its unfinished agenda of turning Pakistan
into Asia’s leading economy with high competitiveness, PML(N) will
shape a better Pakistan. This is being aimed at, to make Pakistan emerge
as one of the top ten economies of the world in the 21st century. A
national economic agenda 2025 shall be developed with consensus
for continuity in economic policies.
Industry and Trade:
Manufacturing is the third important sector of the economy accounting
for about 18% of GDP and 13% of total employment. For the economy
to grow and provide more jobs, the growth of the manufacturing
sector which has declined from an average of 7% to less than 3% in
the past 5 years must be restored. Closed industries will be revived
through appropriate and effective measures. This in turn will require
a major infusion of capital either through foreign direct investment
and domestic resources. We will ensure that ample credit is available
to the private sector, interest rates are conducive borrowing and there
is steady supply of energy to the industrial hubs.
An important element of industrial revival will be the adoption of
an export-led growth strategy supported by larger foreign direct
investments. This policy is crucial to the development of the economy
and will be pursued vigorously. Pakistan has remained dependent
on cotton and textile sectors as its main earner in the international
markets. Without incorporating value addition, technology and IT in our
export base, we will not be able to achieve the required acceleration in
exports. Tariffs will be reformed to eliminate the anti-export bias.
12
Our Industry and Trade policy will focus on the following:
.All exports will be sales tax free.
.A Technology Up-gradation Fund will be created in the public
sector to support new investments in priority sectors.
.Private and public sector organizations will be brought together to
establish an Equity Fund to encourage Pakistani companies to cater
to niche markets through acquisitions of overseas brands and / or
brand holding companies.
.Reduce the upfront cost of investment for prioritized sectors.
.Industrial parks, both for large and small industries will be developed
and expanded, particularly in the under-developed areas.
.Clusters will be developed for industries such as gems and jewelry,
leather, garments, fans, cutlery, halal meat, sports goods, furniture,
crockery and cooking utensils.
.An Export-Import bank (EXIM) will be set up to deal exclusively
with finances related to the export of capital goods and other
manufactured items, consultancy and technological services
involving deferred payment terms. This bank, like similar banks in
other countries, will provide a wide range of services.
.Multinational Corporations (MNC’s) in Pakistan will be encouraged
to expand their production facilities, not only to cater the Pakistani
market but also the Central Asian, South Asian and Middle Eastern
Markets. Necessary incentives and required infrastructure will be
provided to these Corporations. The incentives will be linked to the
flow of foreign capital to Pakistan by these companies.
.The investment strategy will be focused on encouraging buyers-
driven FDI, under which those investors will be encouraged who
are interested in using Pakistan as a base to manufacture products
for exports where Pakistan has a comparative advantage. SME’s and
Clusters will be developed in various districts where they will be
facilitated through one window operation and through marketing
companies which will promote their products within and outside
the country.
Over the past few years, a number of Regional Trading Arrangements
12
Our Industry and Trade policy will focus on the following:
.All exports will be sales tax free.
.A Technology Up-gradation Fund will be created in the public
sector to support new investments in priority sectors.
.Private and public sector organizations will be brought together to
establish an Equity Fund to encourage Pakistani companies to cater
to niche markets through acquisitions of overseas brands and / or
brand holding companies.
.Reduce the upfront cost of investment for prioritized sectors.
.Industrial parks, both for large and small industries will be developed
and expanded, particularly in the under-developed areas.
.Clusters will be developed for industries such as gems and jewelry,
leather, garments, fans, cutlery, halal meat, sports goods, furniture,
crockery and cooking utensils.
.An Export-Import bank (EXIM) will be set up to deal exclusively
with finances related to the export of capital goods and other
manufactured items, consultancy and technological services
involving deferred payment terms. This bank, like similar banks in
other countries, will provide a wide range of services.
.Multinational Corporations (MNC’s) in Pakistan will be encouraged
to expand their production facilities, not only to cater the Pakistani
market but also the Central Asian, South Asian and Middle Eastern
Markets. Necessary incentives and required infrastructure will be
provided to these Corporations. The incentives will be linked to the
flow of foreign capital to Pakistan by these companies.
.The investment strategy will be focused on encouraging buyers-
driven FDI, under which those investors will be encouraged who
are interested in using Pakistan as a base to manufacture products
for exports where Pakistan has a comparative advantage. SME’s and
Clusters will be developed in various districts where they will be
facilitated through one window operation and through marketing
companies which will promote their products within and outside
the country.
Over the past few years, a number of Regional Trading Arrangements
13
(RTAs), Bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Unilateral GSP type
programmes have emerged. These arrangements place Pakistani
exporters at a disadvantage vis-à-vis their competitors. Pakistan has
to intensify participation in regional cooperation forums like SAARC
and ECO, which include free or preferential trade arrangements. Other
trading partners will also be urged to provide preferential access to
Pakistani exports through lower or no duties. Our trade negotiations
with international players including World Trade Organization (WTO)
will be aimed at establishing a rule based and transparent global
trading regime. In this way, we will succeed with our “Trade not Aid”
policy.
Infrastructure:
PML(N)’s preferred policy will be to develop infrastructure projects
through private sector on BOO / BOT (Build Own Operate/Build
Operate Transfer) basis. In addition to the Public Sector Development
Program (PSDP), we will encourage infrastructure building and
financing institutions through public-private partnership to expedite
infrastructure development. This has always been a hallmark priority
for PML(N). As far as PSDP is concerned, initially our focus will be on
the development of the agricultural, industrial, water, power, health
and education sectors of the country. In the last few years, the federal
government has significantly cut down its PSDP spending. Cutting
development spending is, in fact, crippling the economy in the
long term. PML(N) will ensure that we do not sacrifice our long term
gains for the comfort of meeting our short term objectives. Cutting
development spending is not a sustainable way to reduce the deficit.
A Bureau of Infrastructure Development (BID) will be established to
coordinate and oversee the programme for private sector participation
in infrastructure development and develop financing schemes. BID will
be a single window for the development of infrastructure projects, and
will provide a mechanism for mobilizing commercial equity and debt
13
(RTAs), Bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Unilateral GSP type
programmes have emerged. These arrangements place Pakistani
exporters at a disadvantage vis-à-vis their competitors. Pakistan has
to intensify participation in regional cooperation forums like SAARC
and ECO, which include free or preferential trade arrangements. Other
trading partners will also be urged to provide preferential access to
Pakistani exports through lower or no duties. Our trade negotiations
with international players including World Trade Organization (WTO)
will be aimed at establishing a rule based and transparent global
trading regime. In this way, we will succeed with our “Trade not Aid”
policy.
Infrastructure:
PML(N)’s preferred policy will be to develop infrastructure projects
through private sector on BOO / BOT (Build Own Operate/Build
Operate Transfer) basis. In addition to the Public Sector Development
Program (PSDP), we will encourage infrastructure building and
financing institutions through public-private partnership to expedite
infrastructure development. This has always been a hallmark priority
for PML(N). As far as PSDP is concerned, initially our focus will be on
the development of the agricultural, industrial, water, power, health
and education sectors of the country. In the last few years, the federal
government has significantly cut down its PSDP spending. Cutting
development spending is, in fact, crippling the economy in the
long term. PML(N) will ensure that we do not sacrifice our long term
gains for the comfort of meeting our short term objectives. Cutting
development spending is not a sustainable way to reduce the deficit.
A Bureau of Infrastructure Development (BID) will be established to
coordinate and oversee the programme for private sector participation
in infrastructure development and develop financing schemes. BID will
be a single window for the development of infrastructure projects, and
will provide a mechanism for mobilizing commercial equity and debt
14
financing. An important objective of BID will be to improve transport
and communication by constructing national trade corridors and
providing mass transit facilities in all major cities.
In most developed countries, major infrastructure projects have largely
been developed by provinces and local governments by raising their
own funds. This can be replicated in Pakistan through the issuance
of Provincial and Municipal Infrastructure bonds or project specific
bonds in order to develop secondary centers of Industrial activities.
Development of well planned urban centers and cities can become a
major engine of growth.
The provincial and local governments will have to improve their
financial position in order to improve their ratings by international
credit rating agencies. Improved rating would enable the provinces
to raise funds for major infrastructure development projects such as
provincial highways, bridges, irrigation and power generation systems.
It would also enable the local governments to develop municipal
services by constructing ring roads, overhead bridges, underpasses,
water supply and sewerage systems.
Creation of Job Opportunities:
All infrastructure projects will entail compulsory job creation.
Institutions like Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Micro Financing
Institutions and National & Provincial Rural Support Programmes will
play a major role in eradicating poverty and creating jobs by expanding
their operations. We will create incentive programmes for the private
sector to create maximum employment. We will start a especially-
designed employment program that will generate jobs at community
and neighborhood level through special development initiatives.
Housing for Low Income Families:
Special financial institutions and arrangements will also be made to
expand, in cooperation with the provincial governments, housing
14
financing. An important objective of BID will be to improve transport
and communication by constructing national trade corridors and
providing mass transit facilities in all major cities.
In most developed countries, major infrastructure projects have largely
been developed by provinces and local governments by raising their
own funds. This can be replicated in Pakistan through the issuance
of Provincial and Municipal Infrastructure bonds or project specific
bonds in order to develop secondary centers of Industrial activities.
Development of well planned urban centers and cities can become a
major engine of growth.
The provincial and local governments will have to improve their
financial position in order to improve their ratings by international
credit rating agencies. Improved rating would enable the provinces
to raise funds for major infrastructure development projects such as
provincial highways, bridges, irrigation and power generation systems.
It would also enable the local governments to develop municipal
services by constructing ring roads, overhead bridges, underpasses,
water supply and sewerage systems.
Creation of Job Opportunities:
All infrastructure projects will entail compulsory job creation.
Institutions like Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Micro Financing
Institutions and National & Provincial Rural Support Programmes will
play a major role in eradicating poverty and creating jobs by expanding
their operations. We will create incentive programmes for the private
sector to create maximum employment. We will start a especially-
designed employment program that will generate jobs at community
and neighborhood level through special development initiatives.
Housing for Low Income Families:
Special financial institutions and arrangements will also be made to
expand, in cooperation with the provincial governments, housing
15
facilities especially for lower middle income groups. At least 1,000 clusters
of 500 houses each for lower income families will be developed on a
public private partnership mode, and the industry will be encouraged
to expand investment and to provide employment opportunities in
the adjoining areas. The PML(N) would strive to eventually provide a
house to each Pakistani family through public-private partnership by
expanding credit facilities for low-income housing and encouraging
provincial governments to provide land for such housing schemes.
Development of the housing sector will also benefit a large number of
other industries and sub-sectors that provide construction materials.
This will not only bring down the cost of construction, but also
generate employment.
Macro-Economic Stability:
Sustained growth is not possible without macro-economic stability.
Currently, central government borrowing from the commercial as well
as State Bank is at an all time high. By the time the government and the
public sector enterprises have met their requirements, there is virtually
nothing left for the private sector. In 2011-12, only about 14% of total
credit was provided to the private sector. This in turn has contributed
to high fiscal deficit, low levels of investment, and higher dependence
on borrowing. During the past five years, Pakistan has more than
doubled its debt and the annual debt servicing has crossed Rs. 1,000
billion. Pakistan’s total public debt which was less than Rs. 3,000 billion
on 30th June 1999 has increased to over Rs. 13,500 billion by the end
of 2012. We will ensure that as a result of sound macro policies, public
debt remains at sustainable level.
The quasi-fiscal activity of the government outside the budget has
contributed to a build-up of circular debt in the energy and agriculture
commodity sectors. As a result, the cost of borrowing in the economy
has increased again. This is a counterproductive exercise that will
be stopped. During our second term from 1997 to 1999, the PML(N)
15
facilities especially for lower middle income groups. At least 1,000 clusters
of 500 houses each for lower income families will be developed on a
public private partnership mode, and the industry will be encouraged
to expand investment and to provide employment opportunities in
the adjoining areas. The PML(N) would strive to eventually provide a
house to each Pakistani family through public-private partnership by
expanding credit facilities for low-income housing and encouraging
provincial governments to provide land for such housing schemes.
Development of the housing sector will also benefit a large number of
other industries and sub-sectors that provide construction materials.
This will not only bring down the cost of construction, but also
generate employment.
Macro-Economic Stability:
Sustained growth is not possible without macro-economic stability.
Currently, central government borrowing from the commercial as well
as State Bank is at an all time high. By the time the government and the
public sector enterprises have met their requirements, there is virtually
nothing left for the private sector. In 2011-12, only about 14% of total
credit was provided to the private sector. This in turn has contributed
to high fiscal deficit, low levels of investment, and higher dependence
on borrowing. During the past five years, Pakistan has more than
doubled its debt and the annual debt servicing has crossed Rs. 1,000
billion. Pakistan’s total public debt which was less than Rs. 3,000 billion
on 30th June 1999 has increased to over Rs. 13,500 billion by the end
of 2012. We will ensure that as a result of sound macro policies, public
debt remains at sustainable level.
The quasi-fiscal activity of the government outside the budget has
contributed to a build-up of circular debt in the energy and agriculture
commodity sectors. As a result, the cost of borrowing in the economy
has increased again. This is a counterproductive exercise that will
be stopped. During our second term from 1997 to 1999, the PML(N)
16
successfully curtailed the circular debt problem which it inherited from
the previous regime. As substantiated in chapter 2 on Energy, we will
completely resolve the issue of circular debt.
In order to decrease the fiscal deficit, we will eliminate VIP culture
and launch an austerity drive particularly expenses relating to the
Presidency, Prime Minister, Governors and Chief Ministers will be
significantly reduced. With the additional provincial autonomy under
the 18th Amendment and the 7th NFC award, it is important that
provinces follow prudent economic policies, particularly with respect
to expenditure control and revenue generation. Reducing fiscal
deficit is no more the exclusive domain of the federal government;
the provinces must contribute their share. More autonomy must be
accompanied with more accountability and responsibility.
Tax Reforms:
The structural drag on Pakistan’s economy can only be addressed
through deep seated and institutional reforms. We are aware that the
fundamental reforms that are required to address the ailing economy
would be opposed by powerful interest groups and strong cartels. As
demonstrated in its earlier stints at the federal level, PML(N) not only
has the ability to make these fundamental institutional reforms, but
also the political will to confront the strong and powerful interest
groups.
The most important area where fundamental and structural reforms are
required is in the area of taxation. Tax collected by the federal government
and provincial governments will ultimately determine the extent of
investment in education, health, housing and infrastructure projects.
When PML(N) government was dismissed in October 1999, tax to
GDP ratio was a respectable 13.8 %, which has since declined and is
presently around 9%. The high tax to GDP ratio was achieved in spite
of significant reduction in personal and corporate income tax rates. Tax
16
successfully curtailed the circular debt problem which it inherited from
the previous regime. As substantiated in chapter 2 on Energy, we will
completely resolve the issue of circular debt.
In order to decrease the fiscal deficit, we will eliminate VIP culture
and launch an austerity drive particularly expenses relating to the
Presidency, Prime Minister, Governors and Chief Ministers will be
significantly reduced. With the additional provincial autonomy under
the 18th Amendment and the 7th NFC award, it is important that
provinces follow prudent economic policies, particularly with respect
to expenditure control and revenue generation. Reducing fiscal
deficit is no more the exclusive domain of the federal government;
the provinces must contribute their share. More autonomy must be
accompanied with more accountability and responsibility.
Tax Reforms:
The structural drag on Pakistan’s economy can only be addressed
through deep seated and institutional reforms. We are aware that the
fundamental reforms that are required to address the ailing economy
would be opposed by powerful interest groups and strong cartels. As
demonstrated in its earlier stints at the federal level, PML(N) not only
has the ability to make these fundamental institutional reforms, but
also the political will to confront the strong and powerful interest
groups.
The most important area where fundamental and structural reforms are
required is in the area of taxation. Tax collected by the federal government
and provincial governments will ultimately determine the extent of
investment in education, health, housing and infrastructure projects.
When PML(N) government was dismissed in October 1999, tax to
GDP ratio was a respectable 13.8 %, which has since declined and is
presently around 9%. The high tax to GDP ratio was achieved in spite
of significant reduction in personal and corporate income tax rates. Tax
17
rules were simplified, taxes made broad-based and the tax machinery
more accountable and loop holes in the system effectively plugged.
Through reforms in FBR and the tax system, we will target to improve
the tax to GDP ratio to 15% by 2018. Informal economy will be brought
into tax net. Tax base will be broadened.
We recognize that in order to improve the overall taxation environment,
documentation of economy is fundamental. Once the documentation
process is successful, the informal economy can be brought into the
tax net and the tax base rationalized to broaden the tax system.
The basic objective of the Tax Reform Program of PML(N) will be:
a) To tax all income and to achieve greater equity in the tax system by
increasing dependence on direct taxes.
b) To broad base the tax system through greater use of an IT data base.
c) Reduce Tax evasion by facilitating tax payers’ compliance, and
where possible, rationalizing tax rates.
d) Reform of tax administration both at the federal and provincial
levels.
e) An annual tax directory will be published indicating the taxes paid
and assessed in the last 3 years.
f ) No increase in the tax rates. Once the tax system becomes fully
operational, tax rates will be reduced over a period of time to ensure
regional equity and to encourage foreign investment.
g) Provincial governments will be asked to increase their own tax
revenues to increase their contribution in overall taxation.
h) Sales tax to be rationalized by ensuring standard rate for all items
and broadening the scope of sales tax.
i) Simplify the administration of taxes and compliance especially for
small businesses.
j) Steps will be taken to ensure elimination of money laundering and
whitening of black money.
k) Knowing there are too many federal and provincial taxes , reduce
17
rules were simplified, taxes made broad-based and the tax machinery
more accountable and loop holes in the system effectively plugged.
Through reforms in FBR and the tax system, we will target to improve
the tax to GDP ratio to 15% by 2018. Informal economy will be brought
into tax net. Tax base will be broadened.
We recognize that in order to improve the overall taxation environment,
documentation of economy is fundamental. Once the documentation
process is successful, the informal economy can be brought into the
tax net and the tax base rationalized to broaden the tax system.
The basic objective of the Tax Reform Program of PML(N) will be:
a) To tax all income and to achieve greater equity in the tax system by
increasing dependence on direct taxes.
b) To broad base the tax system through greater use of an IT data base.
c) Reduce Tax evasion by facilitating tax payers’ compliance, and
where possible, rationalizing tax rates.
d) Reform of tax administration both at the federal and provincial
levels.
e) An annual tax directory will be published indicating the taxes paid
and assessed in the last 3 years.
f ) No increase in the tax rates. Once the tax system becomes fully
operational, tax rates will be reduced over a period of time to ensure
regional equity and to encourage foreign investment.
g) Provincial governments will be asked to increase their own tax
revenues to increase their contribution in overall taxation.
h) Sales tax to be rationalized by ensuring standard rate for all items
and broadening the scope of sales tax.
i) Simplify the administration of taxes and compliance especially for
small businesses.
j) Steps will be taken to ensure elimination of money laundering and
whitening of black money.
k) Knowing there are too many federal and provincial taxes , reduce
18
the number of federal and provincial taxes which will greatly reduce
the discretion of the tax officials.
l) Improve the process of self-assessment and audit compliance.
m) To discourage import of luxury items, a regulatory duty will be
levied on non essential imports.
It is equally important to restore the sacred trust between the
Government and the tax payers. Unless and until the citizens are
convinced that the taxes they pay will be properly utilized for the
benefit of the common man, it will be difficult to achieve Pakistan’s
fiscal targets and macro-economic stability.
State-owned Enterprises:
Today, several key state-owned institutions like PIA, Railways, Pakistan
Steel Mills, WAPDA and other institutions are a major drag on Pakistan’s
economy. These loss-making entities are presently bleeding to the tune
of Rs. 400 billion per annum. Therefore, reforming these state owned
institutions through a combination of privatization and restructuring
is fundamental. PML(N) government in its two tenures in the 90’s had
demonstrated its ability to transform the loss making institutions. Only
in the banking sector, institutions such as HBL, UBL and National Bank
were completely turned around in less than 2 years between 1997
and 1999. Earlier in its first term, major banks such as MCB & ABL were
privatized. Today, they are premier banks in Pakistan and contributing
billions towards the national exchequer.
PML(N) will initiate following actions to turn around the loss making
state enterprises:
.Appoint independent and professional boards who in turn
will appoint competent CEOs of state enterprises. Professional
competence and merit will be the only criteria for appointment of
boards and CEOs.
.The immediate task of the boards and CEOs will be to manage
these corporations effectively and to plug the losses.
18
the number of federal and provincial taxes which will greatly reduce
the discretion of the tax officials.
l) Improve the process of self-assessment and audit compliance.
m) To discourage import of luxury items, a regulatory duty will be
levied on non essential imports.
It is equally important to restore the sacred trust between the
Government and the tax payers. Unless and until the citizens are
convinced that the taxes they pay will be properly utilized for the
benefit of the common man, it will be difficult to achieve Pakistan’s
fiscal targets and macro-economic stability.
State-owned Enterprises:
Today, several key state-owned institutions like PIA, Railways, Pakistan
Steel Mills, WAPDA and other institutions are a major drag on Pakistan’s
economy. These loss-making entities are presently bleeding to the tune
of Rs. 400 billion per annum. Therefore, reforming these state owned
institutions through a combination of privatization and restructuring
is fundamental. PML(N) government in its two tenures in the 90’s had
demonstrated its ability to transform the loss making institutions. Only
in the banking sector, institutions such as HBL, UBL and National Bank
were completely turned around in less than 2 years between 1997
and 1999. Earlier in its first term, major banks such as MCB & ABL were
privatized. Today, they are premier banks in Pakistan and contributing
billions towards the national exchequer.
PML(N) will initiate following actions to turn around the loss making
state enterprises:
.Appoint independent and professional boards who in turn
will appoint competent CEOs of state enterprises. Professional
competence and merit will be the only criteria for appointment of
boards and CEOs.
.The immediate task of the boards and CEOs will be to manage
these corporations effectively and to plug the losses.
19
.Assign quantifiable targets and monitor on regular basis.
Performance evaluation will be carried out on regular basis to
ensure accountability.
.Stop every kind of political interference in the affairs of these
enterprises.
.Undertake deep-seated and urgent reforms in the relevant sub-
sectors.
.Identify enterprises which need to be privatized and assign targets
to the privatization commission to ensure completion of the
privatization process within the assigned time frame.
.Operational standards will be prescribed and complete autonomy
will be given to achieve them.
.PIA shall be transformed into a profitable and reputed airline of the
Region.
There will be special focus on Pakistan Railways to improve its operations.
It has strategic importance as well as favored mode of transportation
for the common man and cargo carriages. A fully autonomous board
will be set up to oversee the working of Railways.
Other Financial Sector Reforms:
PML(N) in continuation of far reaching reforms in the banking sector in
1990’s will undertake further reforms in line with current domestic and
global requirements. At present profitability is affected by the higher cost
of borrowing combined with expensive energy. This inevitably leads to
a declining saving rate, which at present is only 10.8%, stifled growth, a
crumbling manufacturing sector, rising unemployment and poverty. A
vibrant financial sector supported by reforms in the capital market is vital
for the revival of business confidence and private investment. With said
reforms resulting into substantial new investment in the corporate sector,
it would generate employment in the country.
19
.Assign quantifiable targets and monitor on regular basis.
Performance evaluation will be carried out on regular basis to
ensure accountability.
.Stop every kind of political interference in the affairs of these
enterprises.
.Undertake deep-seated and urgent reforms in the relevant sub-
sectors.
.Identify enterprises which need to be privatized and assign targets
to the privatization commission to ensure completion of the
privatization process within the assigned time frame.
.Operational standards will be prescribed and complete autonomy
will be given to achieve them.
.PIA shall be transformed into a profitable and reputed airline of the
Region.
There will be special focus on Pakistan Railways to improve its operations.
It has strategic importance as well as favored mode of transportation
for the common man and cargo carriages. A fully autonomous board
will be set up to oversee the working of Railways.
Other Financial Sector Reforms:
PML(N) in continuation of far reaching reforms in the banking sector in
1990’s will undertake further reforms in line with current domestic and
global requirements. At present profitability is affected by the higher cost
of borrowing combined with expensive energy. This inevitably leads to
a declining saving rate, which at present is only 10.8%, stifled growth, a
crumbling manufacturing sector, rising unemployment and poverty. A
vibrant financial sector supported by reforms in the capital market is vital
for the revival of business confidence and private investment. With said
reforms resulting into substantial new investment in the corporate sector,
it would generate employment in the country.
20
Revival of Confidence:
One of the most important pre-conditions for economic revival is
the restoration of confidence of the business community and other
stakeholders in the future of the country. To achieve this important
objective, PML(N) will engage the business community in decision
making, ensure steady supply of energy, provide fiscal incentives to
improve competitiveness, reduce the cost of doing business and accord
high priority to the export sector and small and medium enterprises in
rural areas. The promotion of IT, tourism and other knowledge-based
sub-sectors will be accorded high priority. To ensure closer consultation
and cooperation with the business community, various mechanisms
and institutions will also be strengthened.
Pakistan will face extraordinary risks in the coming decade due to the
global financial crisis that has plagued the world economy since 2008
and the resultant decline in the demand for products that Pakistan
exports. These risks are further compounded by environmental risks
associated with global warming and climate change and societal risks
emerging from the rise of extremism in the Region. PML(N) is fully
aware that hardly any country has ever achieved sustained progress
without internal and external stability. It is, therefore, determined to
create a secure environment for investment and economic activities
by minimizing these risks through concerted policies and actions in
consultation with all the stakeholders.
To build confidence of private sector, Pakistan Business and Economic
Council shall be established, chaired by the Prime Minister, with equal
membership of public and private sector for monitoring performance
of economy. The Council shall meet every quarter.
20
Revival of Confidence:
One of the most important pre-conditions for economic revival is
the restoration of confidence of the business community and other
stakeholders in the future of the country. To achieve this important
objective, PML(N) will engage the business community in decision
making, ensure steady supply of energy, provide fiscal incentives to
improve competitiveness, reduce the cost of doing business and accord
high priority to the export sector and small and medium enterprises in
rural areas. The promotion of IT, tourism and other knowledge-based
sub-sectors will be accorded high priority. To ensure closer consultation
and cooperation with the business community, various mechanisms
and institutions will also be strengthened.
Pakistan will face extraordinary risks in the coming decade due to the
global financial crisis that has plagued the world economy since 2008
and the resultant decline in the demand for products that Pakistan
exports. These risks are further compounded by environmental risks
associated with global warming and climate change and societal risks
emerging from the rise of extremism in the Region. PML(N) is fully
aware that hardly any country has ever achieved sustained progress
without internal and external stability. It is, therefore, determined to
create a secure environment for investment and economic activities
by minimizing these risks through concerted policies and actions in
consultation with all the stakeholders.
To build confidence of private sector, Pakistan Business and Economic
Council shall be established, chaired by the Prime Minister, with equal
membership of public and private sector for monitoring performance
of economy. The Council shall meet every quarter.
EnergySecurity:
Continuous
Availabilityand
Affordability
EnergySecurity:
Continuous
Availabilityand
Affordability
22
Energy Security:
Continuous Availability and Affordability
Reliable and reasonably priced energy is vital for the economic and
social development of Pakistan. Yet, after 65 years of independence,
the nation is facing a shortage of over 6,000 MW and at least 40% of
Pakistan’s population does not have access to electricity. Those that do
have access only get sporadic supply with frequent power outages.
The situation for natural gas is even more worrisome, where only a fifth
of the population has access to piped natural gas, and there are long
and sustained periods in winters when gas is not available in many
parts of the country. The curse of load shedding in electricity was a
legacy from the previous dictatorial regime, but load shedding in gas
has started under the present government. With current trends the
total gas production will fall from the present level of around 4,000
MMCFD to only 1,000 MMCFD by the year 2024–25. This will require
import to cover 80–85% of the gas required in the country. Urgent
steps are therefore needed to develop new gas fields and import
infrastructure.
Pakistan is blessed with enormous natural energy resources. The Thar
Desert contains, at 175 billion tons, the world’s fifth largest coal reserves,
enough to fuel power plants with 100,000 MW of capacity for over 100
years. Pakistan also has proven oil reserves of 300 million barrels, and
natural gas reserves in the deeper layers of existing fields in Baluchistan
are reported to be larger than those currently being exploited. Also, if
sustainably marshaled, our rivers have potential hydropower capacity
of at least 40,000 MW.
Despite all these resources, our energy crisis continues to worsen and
has become an impediment to our economic development and is
causing unbearable suffering to the common man. The annual cost of
load-shedding was estimated in 2010 at Rs.500 billion (US$ 5 billion),
22
Energy Security:
Continuous Availability and Affordability
Reliable and reasonably priced energy is vital for the economic and
social development of Pakistan. Yet, after 65 years of independence,
the nation is facing a shortage of over 6,000 MW and at least 40% of
Pakistan’s population does not have access to electricity. Those that do
have access only get sporadic supply with frequent power outages.
The situation for natural gas is even more worrisome, where only a fifth
of the population has access to piped natural gas, and there are long
and sustained periods in winters when gas is not available in many
parts of the country. The curse of load shedding in electricity was a
legacy from the previous dictatorial regime, but load shedding in gas
has started under the present government. With current trends the
total gas production will fall from the present level of around 4,000
MMCFD to only 1,000 MMCFD by the year 2024–25. This will require
import to cover 80–85% of the gas required in the country. Urgent
steps are therefore needed to develop new gas fields and import
infrastructure.
Pakistan is blessed with enormous natural energy resources. The Thar
Desert contains, at 175 billion tons, the world’s fifth largest coal reserves,
enough to fuel power plants with 100,000 MW of capacity for over 100
years. Pakistan also has proven oil reserves of 300 million barrels, and
natural gas reserves in the deeper layers of existing fields in Baluchistan
are reported to be larger than those currently being exploited. Also, if
sustainably marshaled, our rivers have potential hydropower capacity
of at least 40,000 MW.
Despite all these resources, our energy crisis continues to worsen and
has become an impediment to our economic development and is
causing unbearable suffering to the common man. The annual cost of
load-shedding was estimated in 2010 at Rs.500 billion (US$ 5 billion),
23
a loss of a million jobs and at least US$ 2.8 billion reduction in exports.
It will be difficult to identify another example of collective national
failure of policies and governance of this magnitude.
In order to understand what has gone wrong, at least five glaring
failures of the present government can be identified:
a) The PPP led coalition has almost doubled electricity prices in
the past four years to eliminate subsidies but because of poor
governance and inability to improve the efficiency of the energy
sector, the losses have actually increased and the energy crisis has
become more serious. Production, transmission and distribution
losses have increased and the distribution companies have
been unable to recover their full dues (arrears estimated at
Rs. 499 billion in 2012) or reduce theft of electricity. This has led
to a chronic so called ‘circular debt problem’ of Rs. 500 billion in
2012.
b) The Government has not been able to modernize existing
thermal units to improve their generating capacity which was
possible at relatively low cost. Instead, it opted for several high
cost rental power projects to add very expensive electricity to
the system.
c) There has been virtually no progress in attracting investment in
the energy sector, especially in hydel or coal based projects to
correct the fuel mix.
d) For the first time, Pakistan has experienced the menace of gas
load shedding. Yet the government has neither increased the
speed of gas exploration nor made concrete efforts to import
gas.
e) Overall lack of competence and the political will to address
the sufferings of people of Pakistan as reflected in political
appointments instead of merit-based selections in Public Sector
Enterprises and the inability to reduce losses and recover arrears.
PML(N) has a clear energy vision to ensure that gas and electricity
can be supplied to all urban and rural consumers continuously at an
23
a loss of a million jobs and at least US$ 2.8 billion reduction in exports.
It will be difficult to identify another example of collective national
failure of policies and governance of this magnitude.
In order to understand what has gone wrong, at least five glaring
failures of the present government can be identified:
a) The PPP led coalition has almost doubled electricity prices in
the past four years to eliminate subsidies but because of poor
governance and inability to improve the efficiency of the energy
sector, the losses have actually increased and the energy crisis has
become more serious. Production, transmission and distribution
losses have increased and the distribution companies have
been unable to recover their full dues (arrears estimated at
Rs. 499 billion in 2012) or reduce theft of electricity. This has led
to a chronic so called ‘circular debt problem’ of Rs. 500 billion in
2012.
b) The Government has not been able to modernize existing
thermal units to improve their generating capacity which was
possible at relatively low cost. Instead, it opted for several high
cost rental power projects to add very expensive electricity to
the system.
c) There has been virtually no progress in attracting investment in
the energy sector, especially in hydel or coal based projects to
correct the fuel mix.
d) For the first time, Pakistan has experienced the menace of gas
load shedding. Yet the government has neither increased the
speed of gas exploration nor made concrete efforts to import
gas.
e) Overall lack of competence and the political will to address
the sufferings of people of Pakistan as reflected in political
appointments instead of merit-based selections in Public Sector
Enterprises and the inability to reduce losses and recover arrears.
PML(N) has a clear energy vision to ensure that gas and electricity
can be supplied to all urban and rural consumers continuously at an
24
affordable price. We will also ensure that energy resources are allocated
through regulated market forces and not for personal financial gains of
the powerful. Large-scale investment in the energy sector can create
thousands of new jobs and contribute to social, educational, economic
and industrial development.
This multi-dimensional energy crisis will require effective and
sustainable solutions through short-term measures and medium-term
plans which must be undertaken in a coordinated manner; not just
plan to fill the gap of 6000 MW capacity that exists today, but plan
for the increased demand that our growing population and growing
economy will generate. PML(N) will take the following decisive steps to
resolve the energy crisis:
1) Creation of a Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources through
the merger of Ministries of Water and Power and Petroleum and
Natural Resources.
2) Reforms of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA):
a) Upfront / Feed-in tariffs for wind, solar, small hydel, and
biomass projects.
b) Mandatory wheeling of electricity by DISCOs and the
NTDC.
c) Net metering (sale guarantee) for small producers/
consumers.
d) NEPRA determined tariffs to be the notified tariffs.
e) Deregulating and decentralizing the energy sector by
allowing small power producers to sell power directly to
consumers through the distribution systems of DISCOs.
NEPRA (or regional regulators) to allow and regulate
prices.
3) Reforms of Distribution Companies (DISCOs):
a) Corporatization and privatization of DISCOs.
b) Ending of cross subsidy among DISCOs.
c) Transmission and Distribution losses to be progressively
24
affordable price. We will also ensure that energy resources are allocated
through regulated market forces and not for personal financial gains of
the powerful. Large-scale investment in the energy sector can create
thousands of new jobs and contribute to social, educational, economic
and industrial development.
This multi-dimensional energy crisis will require effective and
sustainable solutions through short-term measures and medium-term
plans which must be undertaken in a coordinated manner; not just
plan to fill the gap of 6000 MW capacity that exists today, but plan
for the increased demand that our growing population and growing
economy will generate. PML(N) will take the following decisive steps to
resolve the energy crisis:
1) Creation of a Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources through
the merger of Ministries of Water and Power and Petroleum and
Natural Resources.
2) Reforms of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA):
a) Upfront / Feed-in tariffs for wind, solar, small hydel, and
biomass projects.
b) Mandatory wheeling of electricity by DISCOs and the
NTDC.
c) Net metering (sale guarantee) for small producers/
consumers.
d) NEPRA determined tariffs to be the notified tariffs.
e) Deregulating and decentralizing the energy sector by
allowing small power producers to sell power directly to
consumers through the distribution systems of DISCOs.
NEPRA (or regional regulators) to allow and regulate
prices.
3) Reforms of Distribution Companies (DISCOs):
a) Corporatization and privatization of DISCOs.
b) Ending of cross subsidy among DISCOs.
c) Transmission and Distribution losses to be progressively
25
brought under 10%.
d) Collection of electricity bills to be brought as close to
100% of billing as possible.
e) Introduction of prepaid billing system to improve bill
collection and reducing bad debts.
4) Reforms of Generating Companies (GENCOs):
a) Corporatization and privatization of each GENCO under
an independent Board.
b) Retrofitting of all equipment to ensure that thermal
efficiency is raised to the original specification and where
required converting all simple cycle plants to combined
cycle technology. This will cost US$ 300 to US$ 400
million only but increase production capacity by 600 MW,
thus giving more than 3,000 GWh (or 3 billion units) of
electricity at zero marginal cost. Payback period of this
investment is about one year.
c) Replacement of all furnace oil boilers by coal fired boilers.
This will cost around US$ 2 billion (for all GENCOs and IPPs
furnace oil fired boilers) and again the payback period is
less than two years. This will result in substantial reduction
in the cost of energy production even if, at first, imported
coal is used.
5) Permanent elimination of circular debt.
It is important to understand that what is called “circular debt” has very
little circular component and much of the debt is due to system-wide
losses incurred by GENCOs and DISCOs. Therefore we will take the
following immediate measures:
a) Narrowly target tariff subsidies only to lifeline consumers
who consume up to 100 units per month, and provide for
this subsidy in the federal budget.
b) Notify electricity tariffs according to the average system-
wide cost.
c) Power dispatch to be strictly according to plant efficiency
25
brought under 10%.
d) Collection of electricity bills to be brought as close to
100% of billing as possible.
e) Introduction of prepaid billing system to improve bill
collection and reducing bad debts.
4) Reforms of Generating Companies (GENCOs):
a) Corporatization and privatization of each GENCO under
an independent Board.
b) Retrofitting of all equipment to ensure that thermal
efficiency is raised to the original specification and where
required converting all simple cycle plants to combined
cycle technology. This will cost US$ 300 to US$ 400
million only but increase production capacity by 600 MW,
thus giving more than 3,000 GWh (or 3 billion units) of
electricity at zero marginal cost. Payback period of this
investment is about one year.
c) Replacement of all furnace oil boilers by coal fired boilers.
This will cost around US$ 2 billion (for all GENCOs and IPPs
furnace oil fired boilers) and again the payback period is
less than two years. This will result in substantial reduction
in the cost of energy production even if, at first, imported
coal is used.
5) Permanent elimination of circular debt.
It is important to understand that what is called “circular debt” has very
little circular component and much of the debt is due to system-wide
losses incurred by GENCOs and DISCOs. Therefore we will take the
following immediate measures:
a) Narrowly target tariff subsidies only to lifeline consumers
who consume up to 100 units per month, and provide for
this subsidy in the federal budget.
b) Notify electricity tariffs according to the average system-
wide cost.
c) Power dispatch to be strictly according to plant efficiency
26
and generation cost.
d) Supply gas to all power plants that can run on natural gas
to minimize generation on expensive fuels.
e) Convert all furnace oil-fired power plants to coal-fired
boilers.
f ) Reduce distribution and transmission losses and improve
collection rates.
6) Rationalization of energy tariffs in line with international prices
across all fuels.
7) Reforms of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA):
a) Blanket ban on the setting up of new CNG stations until
the gas crisis is resolved.
b) Priority to public transport in the use of CNG.
c) Narrowly targeted subsidy for the poor for natural gas
and LPG.
d) Tariff rationalization in gas sector.
8) Aggressive wellhead pricing for Oil and Gas exploration
companies in order to substantially increase production of oil
and gas.
9) High priority to import gas through pipelines.
10) Expeditious setting up of coal and LNG import terminals, and
coal transportation facilities.
11) Development of Thar coalfields and setting up of at least
5,000 MW of new coal fired power plants under the IPP mode
in Sindh. This will both create employment in rural Sindh and
help solve our energy crisis. The plants to be designed on lignite
quality coal and at first to be run on imported coal and when
Thar coal is available, the plants to be switched to domestic coal.
12) Developing consensus among the various stakeholders to
facilitate setting up hydropower projects by the Federal and
Provincial Governments. This will augment and conserve our
water resources and also generate less expensive and clean
26
and generation cost.
d) Supply gas to all power plants that can run on natural gas
to minimize generation on expensive fuels.
e) Convert all furnace oil-fired power plants to coal-fired
boilers.
f ) Reduce distribution and transmission losses and improve
collection rates.
6) Rationalization of energy tariffs in line with international prices
across all fuels.
7) Reforms of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA):
a) Blanket ban on the setting up of new CNG stations until
the gas crisis is resolved.
b) Priority to public transport in the use of CNG.
c) Narrowly targeted subsidy for the poor for natural gas
and LPG.
d) Tariff rationalization in gas sector.
8) Aggressive wellhead pricing for Oil and Gas exploration
companies in order to substantially increase production of oil
and gas.
9) High priority to import gas through pipelines.
10) Expeditious setting up of coal and LNG import terminals, and
coal transportation facilities.
11) Development of Thar coalfields and setting up of at least
5,000 MW of new coal fired power plants under the IPP mode
in Sindh. This will both create employment in rural Sindh and
help solve our energy crisis. The plants to be designed on lignite
quality coal and at first to be run on imported coal and when
Thar coal is available, the plants to be switched to domestic coal.
12) Developing consensus among the various stakeholders to
facilitate setting up hydropower projects by the Federal and
Provincial Governments. This will augment and conserve our
water resources and also generate less expensive and clean
27
electricity.
13) Developing alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar,
wind, bagasse, biogas, and biomass projects, especially for off-
grid and micro-grid applications.
14) Setting up national energy efficiency standards.
15) Introducing solar-thermal water heaters for domestic and
industrial use.
16) Decentralizing and creating a wholesale market for electricity.
What we envisage is to tackle circular debt and system losses - on
priority in order to end load shedding in minimum time and in 5
years there will be a market for wholesale trade of electricity and most
importantly consumers, using the distribution network of the local
DISCOs and the transmission network of the national grid will be able
to buy electricity from their preferred producer. And once there is
enough competition in the market, neither government guarantees
nor government subsidies will be required and prices will start to go
down as they have in the mobile telephone market.
These measures will not only solve our lingering energy crisis but also
shift the focus of the energy sector from high cost imported fuels to
indigenous energy resources and reduce the total energy import bill
and add at least 3.5% to the annual GDP. At the same time investment
of about US$ 20 billion to generate 10,000 MW of electricity in the next
5 years will stimulate overall growth of the economy.
27
electricity.
13) Developing alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar,
wind, bagasse, biogas, and biomass projects, especially for off-
grid and micro-grid applications.
14) Setting up national energy efficiency standards.
15) Introducing solar-thermal water heaters for domestic and
industrial use.
16) Decentralizing and creating a wholesale market for electricity.
What we envisage is to tackle circular debt and system losses - on
priority in order to end load shedding in minimum time and in 5
years there will be a market for wholesale trade of electricity and most
importantly consumers, using the distribution network of the local
DISCOs and the transmission network of the national grid will be able
to buy electricity from their preferred producer. And once there is
enough competition in the market, neither government guarantees
nor government subsidies will be required and prices will start to go
down as they have in the mobile telephone market.
These measures will not only solve our lingering energy crisis but also
shift the focus of the energy sector from high cost imported fuels to
indigenous energy resources and reduce the total energy import bill
and add at least 3.5% to the annual GDP. At the same time investment
of about US$ 20 billion to generate 10,000 MW of electricity in the next
5 years will stimulate overall growth of the economy.
Agricultureand Food
Security
Agricultureand Food
Security
29
Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture with a contribution of 21% to national GDP is the single
largest sector of the economy and provides employment to more than
half the country’s labour force. Agriculture and agro based products
account for 70% of total export earnings and the sector supplies many
of the industries with raw materials. In turn the sector consumes more
than 40% of industrial finished goods.
With a major expansion of water supply through tube wells for irrigation
in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the total cropped area has increased by one
third to 24 million hectare, yielding an average annual agricultural
growth rate of 5.4% in 1980’s and 4.4% in the 1990’s. This growth rate
slowed down to 3.2% in the decade of 2000 due to adverse terms
of trade but overall the agriculture sector remains an efficient user
of domestic resources both as a provider of additional employment
opportunities and as a producer of goods for consumption and for
exports. With efficient use of modern technologies there is considerable
scope for increasing agriculture productivity in the coming years.
To accelerate the pace of agriculture development and to reduce
poverty by diversifying the rural economy to expand non–farm
employment, PML(N) will undertake the following specific programmes
and measures for the integrated development of agriculture, livestock,
fisheries, horticulture and forestry:
.Turn agriculture into a fully-viable economic industry by
changing the policy framework and terms of trade in favor of
agriculture;
.Focus on small farmers as the real back-bone of the rural
economy and assure their access to knowledge, inputs and
markets;
.Give high priority to development of the livestock sector and
self sufficiency in oilseeds, as a part of an overall program to
fisheries and horticulture crops like fruits, vegetables and dates
29
Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture with a contribution of 21% to national GDP is the single
largest sector of the economy and provides employment to more than
half the country’s labour force. Agriculture and agro based products
account for 70% of total export earnings and the sector supplies many
of the industries with raw materials. In turn the sector consumes more
than 40% of industrial finished goods.
With a major expansion of water supply through tube wells for irrigation
in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the total cropped area has increased by one
third to 24 million hectare, yielding an average annual agricultural
growth rate of 5.4% in 1980’s and 4.4% in the 1990’s. This growth rate
slowed down to 3.2% in the decade of 2000 due to adverse terms
of trade but overall the agriculture sector remains an efficient user
of domestic resources both as a provider of additional employment
opportunities and as a producer of goods for consumption and for
exports. With efficient use of modern technologies there is considerable
scope for increasing agriculture productivity in the coming years.
To accelerate the pace of agriculture development and to reduce
poverty by diversifying the rural economy to expand non–farm
employment, PML(N) will undertake the following specific programmes
and measures for the integrated development of agriculture, livestock,
fisheries, horticulture and forestry:
.Turn agriculture into a fully-viable economic industry by
changing the policy framework and terms of trade in favor of
agriculture;
.Focus on small farmers as the real back-bone of the rural
economy and assure their access to knowledge, inputs and
markets;
.Give high priority to development of the livestock sector and
self sufficiency in oilseeds, as a part of an overall program to
fisheries and horticulture crops like fruits, vegetables and dates
30
will be given special incentives.
.Revitalize corporate agriculture to overcome the limitation of the
small land owners by setting up land development corporations
with majority equity of the poor and managed by professional
managers.
.Reform the agriculture credit system to ensure that at least 50%
of the total is provided to small farmers and that land owners
are able to obtain credit on the basis of the market value of the
land rather than outdated produce index units. High priority to
women borrowers in micro credit programmes.
.Convert Pakistan into a large net exporter of food and high-
value crops to regional markets by modernizing post-harvest
storage and marketing systems. There is very large demand for
halal products in these markets.
.Build consensus on the basis of the 1991 Water Accord to allow
new water projects to be undertaken and extension of irrigation
facilities to additional areas.
.Increase irrigation intensity through fuller utilization of available
water resources by expanding the on-farm water management
programmes, and generating hydel electricity on a large scale
from local water reservoirs and small dams.
.Launch major programme of aquifer recharge in arid and semiarid
areas of Cholistan, Thar and Baluchistan to ensure that water
flows from tube wells installed in these areas can be sustained.
.Provide incentives for farmers to adopt social forestry on a
commercial scale rather than depend on restrictive laws for this
purpose particularly in border areas.
.Undertake immediate updating of revenue and property
records using modern Information Technology. Based on the
information so generated ‘benamis’ can be eliminated, property
rights of female members protected, and better access to credit
facilitated.
.Revamp all agriculture research organizations to ensure that
there is sustained increase in productivity to meet the demands
of a growing population and that the benefits of research
30
will be given special incentives.
.Revitalize corporate agriculture to overcome the limitation of the
small land owners by setting up land development corporations
with majority equity of the poor and managed by professional
managers.
.Reform the agriculture credit system to ensure that at least 50%
of the total is provided to small farmers and that land owners
are able to obtain credit on the basis of the market value of the
land rather than outdated produce index units. High priority to
women borrowers in micro credit programmes.
.Convert Pakistan into a large net exporter of food and high-
value crops to regional markets by modernizing post-harvest
storage and marketing systems. There is very large demand for
halal products in these markets.
.Build consensus on the basis of the 1991 Water Accord to allow
new water projects to be undertaken and extension of irrigation
facilities to additional areas.
.Increase irrigation intensity through fuller utilization of available
water resources by expanding the on-farm water management
programmes, and generating hydel electricity on a large scale
from local water reservoirs and small dams.
.Launch major programme of aquifer recharge in arid and semiarid
areas of Cholistan, Thar and Baluchistan to ensure that water
flows from tube wells installed in these areas can be sustained.
.Provide incentives for farmers to adopt social forestry on a
commercial scale rather than depend on restrictive laws for this
purpose particularly in border areas.
.Undertake immediate updating of revenue and property
records using modern Information Technology. Based on the
information so generated ‘benamis’ can be eliminated, property
rights of female members protected, and better access to credit
facilitated.
.Revamp all agriculture research organizations to ensure that
there is sustained increase in productivity to meet the demands
of a growing population and that the benefits of research
31
actually reach the farmers.
.Intensify research efforts to reduce the energy intensity of the
agriculture sector to bring down the cost of production which
has gone up due to high petroleum prices.
.Modernize agriculture education in general and curriculum of
agriculture universities in particular.
.Under its land reform programme, PML(N) will reclaim and
irrigate additional land for allotment to landless, women
haris and tenants. It will also undertake a land consolidation
programme to create viable units for modern agriculture.
Environmental Protection:
PML(N) will give high priority to ecologically sound development
policies to preserve and develop the country’s natural and forest
resources to counteract the impact of global warming and fight the
cancer of water-logging and salinity.
There is need for a coherent strategy across all our provinces to deal
with the climate change threat facing Pakistan. Natural disasters do
not stop at provincial boundaries and nor should their response be
disjointed. Past natural disaster remnants like floods and earthquake
affectees will be rehabilitated adequately. Prioritization of routes
destroyed in natural disasters will be undertaken. Model villages will
be built in all natural disaster zones to reduce discrimination.
Food Security:
Research across the world has shown that food security cannot be
ensured only by increasing the availability of food through higher
agricultural production. It also requires better access to food. In
other words, the objective of food security cannot be achieved
unless and until the issue of poverty is also addressed. In the past
5 years, the proportion of population living below the poverty line,
according to several independent research studies, increased from
34% in 2007 to 40% in 2012. A drastic reduction in poverty levels
31
actually reach the farmers.
.Intensify research efforts to reduce the energy intensity of the
agriculture sector to bring down the cost of production which
has gone up due to high petroleum prices.
.Modernize agriculture education in general and curriculum of
agriculture universities in particular.
.Under its land reform programme, PML(N) will reclaim and
irrigate additional land for allotment to landless, women
haris and tenants. It will also undertake a land consolidation
programme to create viable units for modern agriculture.
Environmental Protection:
PML(N) will give high priority to ecologically sound development
policies to preserve and develop the country’s natural and forest
resources to counteract the impact of global warming and fight the
cancer of water-logging and salinity.
There is need for a coherent strategy across all our provinces to deal
with the climate change threat facing Pakistan. Natural disasters do
not stop at provincial boundaries and nor should their response be
disjointed. Past natural disaster remnants like floods and earthquake
affectees will be rehabilitated adequately. Prioritization of routes
destroyed in natural disasters will be undertaken. Model villages will
be built in all natural disaster zones to reduce discrimination.
Food Security:
Research across the world has shown that food security cannot be
ensured only by increasing the availability of food through higher
agricultural production. It also requires better access to food. In
other words, the objective of food security cannot be achieved
unless and until the issue of poverty is also addressed. In the past
5 years, the proportion of population living below the poverty line,
according to several independent research studies, increased from
34% in 2007 to 40% in 2012. A drastic reduction in poverty levels
32
has thus become the most important development challenge for
the next government.
PML(N) will seek Parliamentary approval for adding a new article to the
Constitution to make the ‘Right to Food’ a fundamental right of every
citizen within a reasonable time frame.
To implement the ‘Right to Food’policy, the government will formulate,
in consultation with the provincial governments, a National Strategy
For Food Security to achieve an average agricultural growth of at least
4% per annum in the next decade, evolve an equitable system of food
procurement and distribution, improve the access of poor households
to food at affordable prices and evolve a transparent system of safety
nets for very poor households.
It is also clear from Pakistan’s own experience that marginal adjustments
in development policies will not address the issue of mass poverty. A
paradigm shift will be needed to evolve pro-poor growth strategies
that will change institutions and local power structures in favor of
the poor, by giving them greater access to productive assets such
as land and livestock and facilities for acquired education and skills.
Other important elements of such a pro-poor growth strategy will
be increasing non-farm employment in rural areas through small and
medium enterprises and greater stability in food prices.
Social Protection:
PML(N) will launch a coherent social protection plan to protect the
poorer segments of society from the adverse effects of inflation and
national disasters. Main elements of such a programme will include
the following:
.Ensure universal access to affordable food grains in all parts of
the country by legislating the “Right to Food” as a fundamental
right.
.Strengthen the procurement programme to ensure all farmers
32
has thus become the most important development challenge for
the next government.
PML(N) will seek Parliamentary approval for adding a new article to the
Constitution to make the ‘Right to Food’ a fundamental right of every
citizen within a reasonable time frame.
To implement the ‘Right to Food’policy, the government will formulate,
in consultation with the provincial governments, a National Strategy
For Food Security to achieve an average agricultural growth of at least
4% per annum in the next decade, evolve an equitable system of food
procurement and distribution, improve the access of poor households
to food at affordable prices and evolve a transparent system of safety
nets for very poor households.
It is also clear from Pakistan’s own experience that marginal adjustments
in development policies will not address the issue of mass poverty. A
paradigm shift will be needed to evolve pro-poor growth strategies
that will change institutions and local power structures in favor of
the poor, by giving them greater access to productive assets such
as land and livestock and facilities for acquired education and skills.
Other important elements of such a pro-poor growth strategy will
be increasing non-farm employment in rural areas through small and
medium enterprises and greater stability in food prices.
Social Protection:
PML(N) will launch a coherent social protection plan to protect the
poorer segments of society from the adverse effects of inflation and
national disasters. Main elements of such a programme will include
the following:
.Ensure universal access to affordable food grains in all parts of
the country by legislating the “Right to Food” as a fundamental
right.
.Strengthen the procurement programme to ensure all farmers
33
receive the guaranteed support price for grains and improve
arrangements for storage and subsidized distribution to ensure
relative price stability throughout the year.
.Introduce a transparent system of income support programme
for needy families with incomes below the prescribed limit with
a special focus on widows, orphans and the girl child. Adequate
monitoring mechanisms will be established to ensure that
resources under these income support programmes are not
misused. Education scholarships will be provided to orphans,
disabled and other needy students for acquiring skills and
higher education. Concept of social entrepreneurship will be
introduced to ensure that the vulnerable communities who
have been granted additional cash grant for supporting their
limited income – do not end being counterproductive. It is
reported that some of the cash assistance beneficiaries stop
making conscious effort for success in life after getting use of
receiving easy money of Income Support Programme at home.
.Replace most untargeted subsidies with targeted subsidies and
establish dynamic mechanisms for targeting to ensure that the
system is transparent and verifiable.
.Create public-private partnership to take full advantage of
the capacity already built by a large number of community
organizations to respond to emergencies and national
calamities.
.Undertake special labor-intensive employment programmes
especially in areas affected by insurgency and natural disasters
based on small infrastructure or rehabilitation projects which
are identified in consultation with the target communities.
In cooperation with the Provinces, the PML(N) Government will raise
the total spending on non-pension social protection from the current
level of 1% of GDP to at least 2% by 2018.
.
33
receive the guaranteed support price for grains and improve
arrangements for storage and subsidized distribution to ensure
relative price stability throughout the year.
.Introduce a transparent system of income support programme
for needy families with incomes below the prescribed limit with
a special focus on widows, orphans and the girl child. Adequate
monitoring mechanisms will be established to ensure that
resources under these income support programmes are not
misused. Education scholarships will be provided to orphans,
disabled and other needy students for acquiring skills and
higher education. Concept of social entrepreneurship will be
introduced to ensure that the vulnerable communities who
have been granted additional cash grant for supporting their
limited income – do not end being counterproductive. It is
reported that some of the cash assistance beneficiaries stop
making conscious effort for success in life after getting use of
receiving easy money of Income Support Programme at home.
.Replace most untargeted subsidies with targeted subsidies and
establish dynamic mechanisms for targeting to ensure that the
system is transparent and verifiable.
.Create public-private partnership to take full advantage of
the capacity already built by a large number of community
organizations to respond to emergencies and national
calamities.
.Undertake special labor-intensive employment programmes
especially in areas affected by insurgency and natural disasters
based on small infrastructure or rehabilitation projects which
are identified in consultation with the target communities.
In cooperation with the Provinces, the PML(N) Government will raise
the total spending on non-pension social protection from the current
level of 1% of GDP to at least 2% by 2018.
.
A New
Framework
for Social
Change
A New
Framework
for Social
Change
35
A New Framework for Social Change
Pakistan needs a new framework for social change to provide equal
opportunities and social justice to everyone, eliminate exploitation of
the poor, harness its human resource potential and restore the dignity
of the citizen.
PML(N)’s social agenda includes not only the vital sectors of Education
and Health but also other important dimensions like empowerment
of women and youth, speedy justice, and good governance at federal,
provincial and local levels in order to revive the economy and restore
the balance of power in favor of the people.
Such an integrated programme of social development can create and
broaden partnerships between different segments of society, reduce
injustice and intolerance society and helps to achieve the Millennium
Development Goals 2015.
Education:
With knowledge becoming the key driver of socio-economic
development in the 21st century, Education must become number
one national priority. This phenomenal change should occur not just in
policy statements but also in terms of financial allocations, institutional
reforms, effective implementation of policies and an effective external
monitoring and evaluation system. To respond to the challenges
of knowledge revolution and globalization, we need an education
system that promotes creativity, analytical thinking, team work and
strong ethical foundations.
Education is also the greatest single equalizer in a society and universal
education is one of the most important means of reducing mass
poverty. An educated, technologically advanced and progressive
society is the need and aspiration of the people of Pakistan.
More than half the country’s population is below 25 years. Educated
and properly trained youth can become the driving force of progress
35
A New Framework for Social Change
Pakistan needs a new framework for social change to provide equal
opportunities and social justice to everyone, eliminate exploitation of
the poor, harness its human resource potential and restore the dignity
of the citizen.
PML(N)’s social agenda includes not only the vital sectors of Education
and Health but also other important dimensions like empowerment
of women and youth, speedy justice, and good governance at federal,
provincial and local levels in order to revive the economy and restore
the balance of power in favor of the people.
Such an integrated programme of social development can create and
broaden partnerships between different segments of society, reduce
injustice and intolerance society and helps to achieve the Millennium
Development Goals 2015.
Education:
With knowledge becoming the key driver of socio-economic
development in the 21st century, Education must become number
one national priority. This phenomenal change should occur not just in
policy statements but also in terms of financial allocations, institutional
reforms, effective implementation of policies and an effective external
monitoring and evaluation system. To respond to the challenges
of knowledge revolution and globalization, we need an education
system that promotes creativity, analytical thinking, team work and
strong ethical foundations.
Education is also the greatest single equalizer in a society and universal
education is one of the most important means of reducing mass
poverty. An educated, technologically advanced and progressive
society is the need and aspiration of the people of Pakistan.
More than half the country’s population is below 25 years. Educated
and properly trained youth can become the driving force of progress
36
and prosperity, but this demographic dividend can become a
demographic challenge if the youth are not provided opportunities
for education and employment. Education is therefore the key to this
huge reservoir of talent towards dynamism, knowledge-economy and
social change.
Pakistan has finally taken a historic step forward to make the ‘Right to
Education’ a fundamental right by adding a new Article 25-A to the
Constitution under the 18th Constitutional Amendment passed in
April 2010. Pakistan Muslim League (N) is determined to bring about
an educational revolution in the country by taking following steps:
.National Education Emergency will be declared to eradicate
illiteracy on war footing basis
.A national literacy movement will be launched in which
volunteers from all the segments of society will be motivated to
participate.
.In consultation with the provinces, initiate legislation to provide
a road map for achieving 100% enrollment up to the middle
level and 80% universal literacy and strive to meet the target
of ‘Education For All (EFA)’ and ‘Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs)’ related to education within the given time frame.
.A vision 2025 for Pakistan’s education system shall be formulated.
The vision aims at transforming Pakistani education system to be
among world’s best. This would be based on the aspirations of
the people, the ideology of Pakistan, and new learning methods
technologies - recognizing education as a right of every job
market needs, citizen providing equal and ample opportunity
to all its citizens to make themselves knowledgeable, skilful,
productive, creative, confident and committed to moral values.
.A uniform system of education will be introduced step by step to
minimize the problems arising from the multiplicity of systems.
.Drop out rate at primary level will be reduced by providing
missing facilities in schools and free text books, offering
incentives, especially for girls.
36
and prosperity, but this demographic dividend can become a
demographic challenge if the youth are not provided opportunities
for education and employment. Education is therefore the key to this
huge reservoir of talent towards dynamism, knowledge-economy and
social change.
Pakistan has finally taken a historic step forward to make the ‘Right to
Education’ a fundamental right by adding a new Article 25-A to the
Constitution under the 18th Constitutional Amendment passed in
April 2010. Pakistan Muslim League (N) is determined to bring about
an educational revolution in the country by taking following steps:
.National Education Emergency will be declared to eradicate
illiteracy on war footing basis
.A national literacy movement will be launched in which
volunteers from all the segments of society will be motivated to
participate.
.In consultation with the provinces, initiate legislation to provide
a road map for achieving 100% enrollment up to the middle
level and 80% universal literacy and strive to meet the target
of ‘Education For All (EFA)’ and ‘Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs)’ related to education within the given time frame.
.A vision 2025 for Pakistan’s education system shall be formulated.
The vision aims at transforming Pakistani education system to be
among world’s best. This would be based on the aspirations of
the people, the ideology of Pakistan, and new learning methods
technologies - recognizing education as a right of every job
market needs, citizen providing equal and ample opportunity
to all its citizens to make themselves knowledgeable, skilful,
productive, creative, confident and committed to moral values.
.A uniform system of education will be introduced step by step to
minimize the problems arising from the multiplicity of systems.
.Drop out rate at primary level will be reduced by providing
missing facilities in schools and free text books, offering
incentives, especially for girls.
37
.Facilities for teacher training will be expanded at a rapid pace
in collaboration with the Provincial Governments to improve
the quality of education and ensure a quality teacher in every
classroom. At present with only 170 teacher training institutions
(including 26 in the private sector) and total enrolment of
650,000, we are training less than 10% of all our teachers.
.Teaching at all levels will be made an attractive profession.
Efforts will be made to bring in high caliber teachers by offering
better salary, improved service structure and other benefits.
Training and refresher courses will be conducted at all levels
and their promotion will be linked with their qualifications and
performance. The selection of teachers shall be purely on merit
through a transparent selection process.
.There is a need for developing a national strategy for skill-based
uniform curriculum to meet the changing requirements of the
economy and also to provide harmony among provinces. The
Federal government will assist and coordinate efforts of the
provincial governments to improve and standardize curricula in
different subjects.
.National Curriculum Council shall be established comprising of
eminent public and private sectors experts to review national
curriculum and bring it to international standards to promote
analytical thinking, creativity, team work, curiosity for learning,
ethics and values.
.Increased resources will be allocated for education sector
ensuring proper and timely utilization of funds to reach the
UNESCO target of 4% of GDP by 2018. Fiscal incentives and
other support will be provided to encourage private investment
in secondary, vocational and higher education in the country. In
making, Federal transfers the principle of matching grants will
be adopted to ensure that Provincial Governments also earmark
adequate resources for education.
.Maximum facilities for science education will be provided in all
parts of the country by upgrading and providing liberal grants
for science laboratories in all secondary schools. Centers for
37
.Facilities for teacher training will be expanded at a rapid pace
in collaboration with the Provincial Governments to improve
the quality of education and ensure a quality teacher in every
classroom. At present with only 170 teacher training institutions
(including 26 in the private sector) and total enrolment of
650,000, we are training less than 10% of all our teachers.
.Teaching at all levels will be made an attractive profession.
Efforts will be made to bring in high caliber teachers by offering
better salary, improved service structure and other benefits.
Training and refresher courses will be conducted at all levels
and their promotion will be linked with their qualifications and
performance. The selection of teachers shall be purely on merit
through a transparent selection process.
.There is a need for developing a national strategy for skill-based
uniform curriculum to meet the changing requirements of the
economy and also to provide harmony among provinces. The
Federal government will assist and coordinate efforts of the
provincial governments to improve and standardize curricula in
different subjects.
.National Curriculum Council shall be established comprising of
eminent public and private sectors experts to review national
curriculum and bring it to international standards to promote
analytical thinking, creativity, team work, curiosity for learning,
ethics and values.
.Increased resources will be allocated for education sector
ensuring proper and timely utilization of funds to reach the
UNESCO target of 4% of GDP by 2018. Fiscal incentives and
other support will be provided to encourage private investment
in secondary, vocational and higher education in the country. In
making, Federal transfers the principle of matching grants will
be adopted to ensure that Provincial Governments also earmark
adequate resources for education.
.Maximum facilities for science education will be provided in all
parts of the country by upgrading and providing liberal grants
for science laboratories in all secondary schools. Centers for
38
professional excellence in various scientific disciplines will also be
promoted by providing highly qualified teachers and generous
scholarships for training abroad. National and provincial level
science competitions shall be organized to identify young talent.
.Computer labs shall be established in all the government high
schools in the first phase. All merit students in public universities
shall be provided laptops to link them with the digital revolution.
.Instruction of foreign languages shall be introduced in national
curriculum to meet the challenges of globalization.
.Student career counseling services shall be introduced in
schools, colleges and universities.
.Danish Schools shall be set up in all provinces.
.Education Endowment Funds shall be set up in all provinces to
award merit scholarships to poor and needy students for higher
education.
.The Higher Education Commission will be given greater
autonomy and the required financial resources to ensure
adequate standards in Higher Education and inter provincial
coordination in such matters as curriculum and scientific
research.
.Technology Development Fund shall be established for HEC
scholars returning after completion of PhD to introduce new
technologies application in Pakistan.
.Vice Chancellors of all public sector universities shall be
appointed through a transparent merit based process through
Search Committees.
.The standards in universities shall be raised to transform them
into world class universities. Additional higher educational
institutions will be established in public and private sectors,
especially in remote areas to increase enrolment in higher
education. Linkage of universities will be established with top
ranked universities of the world. Incentives will be given to
encourage research in higher educational institutions.
.Vocational and technical education will be promoted, especially
in rural areas. Efforts will be made to integrate vocational
38
professional excellence in various scientific disciplines will also be
promoted by providing highly qualified teachers and generous
scholarships for training abroad. National and provincial level
science competitions shall be organized to identify young talent.
.Computer labs shall be established in all the government high
schools in the first phase. All merit students in public universities
shall be provided laptops to link them with the digital revolution.
.Instruction of foreign languages shall be introduced in national
curriculum to meet the challenges of globalization.
.Student career counseling services shall be introduced in
schools, colleges and universities.
.Danish Schools shall be set up in all provinces.
.Education Endowment Funds shall be set up in all provinces to
award merit scholarships to poor and needy students for higher
education.
.The Higher Education Commission will be given greater
autonomy and the required financial resources to ensure
adequate standards in Higher Education and inter provincial
coordination in such matters as curriculum and scientific
research.
.Technology Development Fund shall be established for HEC
scholars returning after completion of PhD to introduce new
technologies application in Pakistan.
.Vice Chancellors of all public sector universities shall be
appointed through a transparent merit based process through
Search Committees.
.The standards in universities shall be raised to transform them
into world class universities. Additional higher educational
institutions will be established in public and private sectors,
especially in remote areas to increase enrolment in higher
education. Linkage of universities will be established with top
ranked universities of the world. Incentives will be given to
encourage research in higher educational institutions.
.Vocational and technical education will be promoted, especially
in rural areas. Efforts will be made to integrate vocational
39
training with mainstream education to meet the needs of our
youth interested in following technical careers. At least one
world class technology university will also be established in
every province, and priority will be given to expand distance
learning programmes in public and private sector educational
institutions.
.Madrassas will be provided financial assistance and other
incentives to bring their syllabus and standards in conformity
with the mainstream education to improve the employment
prospects of Madrassa students. Also, vocational training will be
offered to them to encourage them to become entrepreneurs.
.Education sector monitoring will be strengthened through
autonomous monitoring and evaluations authorities and use
of modern technology to check the performance of education
sector. Examination system will be improved by making it more
transparent, reliable and in line with international standards.
National Testing Service will be strengthened.
.‘Reading culture’ will be promoted by developing libraries at
national, provincial and district levels equipped with modern
reference tools. Facilities for art, culture and sports will be
expanded and competitions shall be introduced at school level
as extra curricular activities.
.A detailed action plan will be formulated to upgrade the
capacity of provincial governments for the effective handling
of additional responsibilities entrusted to them under the 18th
Amendment, including institutional restructuring to improve
educational administration through a Provincial Commission
for Higher Education and Establishment of autonomous District
Education Authorities (DEAs).
.Special education institutions shall be expanded to enable
special children to attend schools.
.Schools for Overseas Pakistani children to be transformed into
top quality education institutions. These shall be strengthened
through merit based transparent appointments, management
and infrastructure.
39
training with mainstream education to meet the needs of our
youth interested in following technical careers. At least one
world class technology university will also be established in
every province, and priority will be given to expand distance
learning programmes in public and private sector educational
institutions.
.Madrassas will be provided financial assistance and other
incentives to bring their syllabus and standards in conformity
with the mainstream education to improve the employment
prospects of Madrassa students. Also, vocational training will be
offered to them to encourage them to become entrepreneurs.
.Education sector monitoring will be strengthened through
autonomous monitoring and evaluations authorities and use
of modern technology to check the performance of education
sector. Examination system will be improved by making it more
transparent, reliable and in line with international standards.
National Testing Service will be strengthened.
.‘Reading culture’ will be promoted by developing libraries at
national, provincial and district levels equipped with modern
reference tools. Facilities for art, culture and sports will be
expanded and competitions shall be introduced at school level
as extra curricular activities.
.A detailed action plan will be formulated to upgrade the
capacity of provincial governments for the effective handling
of additional responsibilities entrusted to them under the 18th
Amendment, including institutional restructuring to improve
educational administration through a Provincial Commission
for Higher Education and Establishment of autonomous District
Education Authorities (DEAs).
.Special education institutions shall be expanded to enable
special children to attend schools.
.Schools for Overseas Pakistani children to be transformed into
top quality education institutions. These shall be strengthened
through merit based transparent appointments, management
and infrastructure.
40
High quality education can play a significant role in developing world
class human capital, only if it is accompanied by opportunities for
entrepreneurship and innovation and a system which allows merit to
prevail in all spheres of national life.
Health:
Health delivery system in Pakistan is extremely inadequate. Basic
medical facilities are non-existent, especially in rural areas. Hospitals are
over-crowded and public awareness about primary health care is very
poor. PML(N) will aim at a three fold increase in the overall expenditure
on Health to at least 2% of GDP by 2018, as recommended by the
United Nations. High priority will be accorded to a preventive health
strategy to minimize costs of healthcare.
PML(N) will introduce a comprehensive National Health Service across
Pakistan with participation of the private sector. Salient features of the
National Health Service are outlined below:
.A new National Health Insurance Scheme will be introduced for
the whole of Pakistan. Initially the scheme shall cover the most
vulnerable poorest segment of the population.
.A new National Health Insurance card scheme will be introduced
to avail basic healthcare in a government hospital or by a general
practitioner at concessional rates initially, the scheme shall cover
the most vulnerable and poor segments of the population.
.This facility will be free for children under 12 in full-time
education, senior citizens over 65 and families with low income.
Better off citizens will be able to receive medical cards by paying
the prescribed annual fee of Rs. 100 per person or Rs. 300 per
family.
.Existing Computerized National Identity Cards of beneficiaries shall
be replaced with smart cards detailing coverage details and usage
for each family covered under the programme. Entire programme
would thus be managed through state of art IT applications.
.Coverage of Rs. 150,000 per annum would be provided for
40
High quality education can play a significant role in developing world
class human capital, only if it is accompanied by opportunities for
entrepreneurship and innovation and a system which allows merit to
prevail in all spheres of national life.
Health:
Health delivery system in Pakistan is extremely inadequate. Basic
medical facilities are non-existent, especially in rural areas. Hospitals are
over-crowded and public awareness about primary health care is very
poor. PML(N) will aim at a three fold increase in the overall expenditure
on Health to at least 2% of GDP by 2018, as recommended by the
United Nations. High priority will be accorded to a preventive health
strategy to minimize costs of healthcare.
PML(N) will introduce a comprehensive National Health Service across
Pakistan with participation of the private sector. Salient features of the
National Health Service are outlined below:
.A new National Health Insurance Scheme will be introduced for
the whole of Pakistan. Initially the scheme shall cover the most
vulnerable poorest segment of the population.
.A new National Health Insurance card scheme will be introduced
to avail basic healthcare in a government hospital or by a general
practitioner at concessional rates initially, the scheme shall cover
the most vulnerable and poor segments of the population.
.This facility will be free for children under 12 in full-time
education, senior citizens over 65 and families with low income.
Better off citizens will be able to receive medical cards by paying
the prescribed annual fee of Rs. 100 per person or Rs. 300 per
family.
.Existing Computerized National Identity Cards of beneficiaries shall
be replaced with smart cards detailing coverage details and usage
for each family covered under the programme. Entire programme
would thus be managed through state of art IT applications.
.Coverage of Rs. 150,000 per annum would be provided for
41
each covered family for meeting indoor treatment, inclusive of
surgeries.
.Participating hospitals shall receive payments from Insurance
companies. Premiums to Insurance companies shall be paid by
the provincial government. Programme shall be managed by
provincial governments.
.Existing Basic Health Units will be strengthened and where
possible leased to private Medical practitioners in public–private
partnership mode. Help will be provided to qualified doctors
who wish to set up new clinics.
.Each District will have a District Healthcare Authority (DHA)
which will manage the health system under a semi-autonomous
Board of Governors (BoG) consisting of eminent community
representatives and professionals. The authority will also manage
hospitals in their respective districts.
.Each District will have at least one hospital with complete
diagnostic facilities and specialist in required fields. It will also
have an institute for the training of paramedics and health
technicians. At least 1,000 mobile health units will be launched
to provide basic health facilities to remote areas and isolated
localities. These will be manufactured locally to reduce cost and
creating employment opportunities. Critical care units shall be
established in each Tehsil headquarters’ hospital.
.Medical colleges and teaching hospitals will also become fully
autonomous bodies managed by their respective Board of
Governors for professional and administrative autonomy.
. Provincial Governments will be encouraged to provide an
efficient medico-legal service. For this purpose facilities for legal
and forensic studies will be expanded in Medical Colleges.
.The basic aim of the health programme will be to achieve, within
5 years, 100% vaccination of children, 50% reduction in maternal
and infant mortality and at least 10% reduction in the rate of
population growth.
.Provision of clean drinking water and safe sewerage disposal
will be given high priority to control diseases like Diarrhea and
41
each covered family for meeting indoor treatment, inclusive of
surgeries.
.Participating hospitals shall receive payments from Insurance
companies. Premiums to Insurance companies shall be paid by
the provincial government. Programme shall be managed by
provincial governments.
.Existing Basic Health Units will be strengthened and where
possible leased to private Medical practitioners in public–private
partnership mode. Help will be provided to qualified doctors
who wish to set up new clinics.
.Each District will have a District Healthcare Authority (DHA)
which will manage the health system under a semi-autonomous
Board of Governors (BoG) consisting of eminent community
representatives and professionals. The authority will also manage
hospitals in their respective districts.
.Each District will have at least one hospital with complete
diagnostic facilities and specialist in required fields. It will also
have an institute for the training of paramedics and health
technicians. At least 1,000 mobile health units will be launched
to provide basic health facilities to remote areas and isolated
localities. These will be manufactured locally to reduce cost and
creating employment opportunities. Critical care units shall be
established in each Tehsil headquarters’ hospital.
.Medical colleges and teaching hospitals will also become fully
autonomous bodies managed by their respective Board of
Governors for professional and administrative autonomy.
. Provincial Governments will be encouraged to provide an
efficient medico-legal service. For this purpose facilities for legal
and forensic studies will be expanded in Medical Colleges.
.The basic aim of the health programme will be to achieve, within
5 years, 100% vaccination of children, 50% reduction in maternal
and infant mortality and at least 10% reduction in the rate of
population growth.
.Provision of clean drinking water and safe sewerage disposal
will be given high priority to control diseases like Diarrhea and
42
Hepatitis. Schemes like Orangi Pilot Project will be replicated
throughout Pakistan to seek community participation in the
provision of services like water supply and sewerage at reduced
costs.
.Aggressive educational campaigns shall be launched to control
diabetes, hepatitis, HIV, and cardiac disorders.
.Private sector will be encouraged to expand pharmaceutical
manufacturing and setup manufacturing of diagnostic
equipment so that cheap and effective treatment is available to
the people.
.An independent Drug and Food Administration will be set up
to enforce proper standards, check spurious drugs and regulate
prices of medicines to keep them within affordable limits.
.Effective hospital hygiene and waste disposal programmes shall
be introduced.
.Well-being of senior citizens and handicapped persons will be
ensured by special facilities, preferential access and concessions.
Special quotas will also be earmarked in jobs and educational
institutions for handicapped persons. Special arrangements will
be made to monitor public health issues.
Women:
In Islam, women enjoy a place of honor and dignity that is unparalleled
in history. The place of both men and women in the society is
acknowledged in Islam. It is for this reason that acquiring knowledge
has been ordained for both. PML(N) shall:
.Ensure respect, dignity, and protection granted by Islam to
women and protect their property rights.
.Promote participation of women in national development
and their social, political and economic empowerment by
recognizing their role as agents of change.
.Give preference to women teachers in primary education.
.Promote female education especially vocational skills training
and healthcare programmes to overcome gender gaps.
42
Hepatitis. Schemes like Orangi Pilot Project will be replicated
throughout Pakistan to seek community participation in the
provision of services like water supply and sewerage at reduced
costs.
.Aggressive educational campaigns shall be launched to control
diabetes, hepatitis, HIV, and cardiac disorders.
.Private sector will be encouraged to expand pharmaceutical
manufacturing and setup manufacturing of diagnostic
equipment so that cheap and effective treatment is available to
the people.
.An independent Drug and Food Administration will be set up
to enforce proper standards, check spurious drugs and regulate
prices of medicines to keep them within affordable limits.
.Effective hospital hygiene and waste disposal programmes shall
be introduced.
.Well-being of senior citizens and handicapped persons will be
ensured by special facilities, preferential access and concessions.
Special quotas will also be earmarked in jobs and educational
institutions for handicapped persons. Special arrangements will
be made to monitor public health issues.
Women:
In Islam, women enjoy a place of honor and dignity that is unparalleled
in history. The place of both men and women in the society is
acknowledged in Islam. It is for this reason that acquiring knowledge
has been ordained for both. PML(N) shall:
.Ensure respect, dignity, and protection granted by Islam to
women and protect their property rights.
.Promote participation of women in national development
and their social, political and economic empowerment by
recognizing their role as agents of change.
.Give preference to women teachers in primary education.
.Promote female education especially vocational skills training
and healthcare programmes to overcome gender gaps.
43
.Enact or improve legislation on violence against women and
child abuse, and eliminate illegal and unjust practices under
which women are discriminated.
.Expand micro credit for female borrowers substantially as a part
of the empowerment process, combined with special house
building credit facilities for widows.
.An integrated population welfare programme is required across
Pakistan so as to maximize the demographic dividend and avoid
a demographic disaster. A key element of this program will be
improved female literacy.
.Steps will also be taken to increase women’s participation ratios
in financial institutions, superior judiciary, health and educational
management and law enforcement agencies at executive level.
.Inheritance and property rights of female heirs shall be
safeguarded.
.Institutional mechanism against harassment of women at
workplace shall be enforced.
.Day Care facilities will be established to support working women
to make workplaces women friendly.
.“Women Entrepreneurship Financing Scheme” shall be launched
to promote women entrepreneurship.
Youth:
Youth is Pakistan’s future. More than 63 percent of our population is less
than 25 years of age. PML(N) believes that it is our youth which, if given
proper education and skills, can change the destiny of the nation. In
order to reap this demographic dividend a dynamic new National Youth
Policy will be implemented with the following important features:
.Youth training and skill development programme shall be
initiated to create one million positions for apprenticeship in
trade and industry, in collaboration with the private sector to
ensure at least one job for every low income family.
.Necessary legislation to make it compulsory for major industries
and service providers to ensure proper vocational training for
43
.Enact or improve legislation on violence against women and
child abuse, and eliminate illegal and unjust practices under
which women are discriminated.
.Expand micro credit for female borrowers substantially as a part
of the empowerment process, combined with special house
building credit facilities for widows.
.An integrated population welfare programme is required across
Pakistan so as to maximize the demographic dividend and avoid
a demographic disaster. A key element of this program will be
improved female literacy.
.Steps will also be taken to increase women’s participation ratios
in financial institutions, superior judiciary, health and educational
management and law enforcement agencies at executive level.
.Inheritance and property rights of female heirs shall be
safeguarded.
.Institutional mechanism against harassment of women at
workplace shall be enforced.
.Day Care facilities will be established to support working women
to make workplaces women friendly.
.“Women Entrepreneurship Financing Scheme” shall be launched
to promote women entrepreneurship.
Youth:
Youth is Pakistan’s future. More than 63 percent of our population is less
than 25 years of age. PML(N) believes that it is our youth which, if given
proper education and skills, can change the destiny of the nation. In
order to reap this demographic dividend a dynamic new National Youth
Policy will be implemented with the following important features:
.Youth training and skill development programme shall be
initiated to create one million positions for apprenticeship in
trade and industry, in collaboration with the private sector to
ensure at least one job for every low income family.
.Necessary legislation to make it compulsory for major industries
and service providers to ensure proper vocational training for
44
their workers will be enacted along with fiscal incentives.
.Self-employment loans shall be extended to those who
complete training / apprenticeship, especially in the information
technology and other knowledge-based sectors.
.Services of youth will be utilized in implementation of national
literacy programmes.
.To involve youth in governance at the local level, special seats
will be reserved for them in the Union Councils and District
Councils to prepare them for a bigger role in National and
Provincial Assemblies.
.Inter-provincial visits of youth delegations in various disciplines
shall be organized through domestic tourism and exchanges.
.Anti-addiction campaign shall be launched to protect youth
from drugs abuse.
Sports:
PML(N) is fully conscious of the importance sporting activities play
in improving the health and mindset of its people and the decline in
Sports and Exercise in recent years.
.It commits to depoliticize sports bodies, bring professional
managements significantly improve the allocations for various
sports bodies and providing other incentive to give Pakistan
glory in sporting arenas.
.It also intends to provide scholarships to various educational
institutions for the youth excelling in sports.
.Special focus will be given to encourage sporting activities
among women and special persons.
.Under a phased programme, modern gymnasia will be
constructed at the District and Tehsil levels.
Minorities:
The PML(N) considers religious minorities of the country as equal
citizens of Pakistan having the same rights as Muslims. As ordained
by Islam and the Constitution of Pakistan, the Minorities will have
44
their workers will be enacted along with fiscal incentives.
.Self-employment loans shall be extended to those who
complete training / apprenticeship, especially in the information
technology and other knowledge-based sectors.
.Services of youth will be utilized in implementation of national
literacy programmes.
.To involve youth in governance at the local level, special seats
will be reserved for them in the Union Councils and District
Councils to prepare them for a bigger role in National and
Provincial Assemblies.
.Inter-provincial visits of youth delegations in various disciplines
shall be organized through domestic tourism and exchanges.
.Anti-addiction campaign shall be launched to protect youth
from drugs abuse.
Sports:
PML(N) is fully conscious of the importance sporting activities play
in improving the health and mindset of its people and the decline in
Sports and Exercise in recent years.
.It commits to depoliticize sports bodies, bring professional
managements significantly improve the allocations for various
sports bodies and providing other incentive to give Pakistan
glory in sporting arenas.
.It also intends to provide scholarships to various educational
institutions for the youth excelling in sports.
.Special focus will be given to encourage sporting activities
among women and special persons.
.Under a phased programme, modern gymnasia will be
constructed at the District and Tehsil levels.
Minorities:
The PML(N) considers religious minorities of the country as equal
citizens of Pakistan having the same rights as Muslims. As ordained
by Islam and the Constitution of Pakistan, the Minorities will have
45
complete freedom of worshiping and the right to education and
employment in all sectors of the economy. Over the years as Pakistan’s
security situation has deteriorated, an some areas minorities have
come under increasing attacks. The current unrest and anxiety being
felt by minority communities due to discrimination or repression
in certain parts of Pakistan is very unfortunate. There are reports of
forced conversions and other acts of intimidation. This situation will be
addressed through decisive steps to restore their confidence.
Specific measures for providing equal opportunities to minorities will
include the following:
.National Day for Minorities to be celebrated to promote
integration, brotherhood and harmony so that the sense of
deprivation is removed.
.Necessary legislative measures will be undertaken to ensure
there is no forced conversion of religion in the guise of marriage.
.Minority representation to be increased in the Evacuee Trust
Property Board (ETPB).
.Quota to be introduced for minorities in educational institution
and public sector jobs including diplomatic missions.
.The Christian community will be permitted to run their own
schools and colleges.
.The development funds earmarked for minorities will be
doubled.
.The Hindu Marriage Bill will be accelerated through the National
Assembly.
.Minorities may be given official leave and advance salary to
celebrate their religious festivities in whichever province they
are.
45
complete freedom of worshiping and the right to education and
employment in all sectors of the economy. Over the years as Pakistan’s
security situation has deteriorated, an some areas minorities have
come under increasing attacks. The current unrest and anxiety being
felt by minority communities due to discrimination or repression
in certain parts of Pakistan is very unfortunate. There are reports of
forced conversions and other acts of intimidation. This situation will be
addressed through decisive steps to restore their confidence.
Specific measures for providing equal opportunities to minorities will
include the following:
.National Day for Minorities to be celebrated to promote
integration, brotherhood and harmony so that the sense of
deprivation is removed.
.Necessary legislative measures will be undertaken to ensure
there is no forced conversion of religion in the guise of marriage.
.Minority representation to be increased in the Evacuee Trust
Property Board (ETPB).
.Quota to be introduced for minorities in educational institution
and public sector jobs including diplomatic missions.
.The Christian community will be permitted to run their own
schools and colleges.
.The development funds earmarked for minorities will be
doubled.
.The Hindu Marriage Bill will be accelerated through the National
Assembly.
.Minorities may be given official leave and advance salary to
celebrate their religious festivities in whichever province they
are.
Democratic
Governance
Democratic
Governance
47
Democratic Governance
PML(N) is deeply committed to the following principles of democratic
governance as outlined in the “Charter of Democracy” signed on
May 14, 2006 in London between the leadership of PPP and PML(N):
“Noting our responsibility to our people to set an alternative
direction for the country, saving it from its present predicaments
on an economically sustainable, socially progressive, politically
democratic and pluralist, federally cooperative, ideologically
tolerant, internationally respectable and regionally peaceful
basis in the larger interests of the people of Pakistan, to decide
once for all that only the people and no one else has the
sovereign right to govern through their elected representatives,
as conceived by the democrat par excellence Father of the
Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.”
Lack of effective governance not only slows down the pace of economic
growth but also has a disproportionately large negative impact on
poor people due to polluted air, unclean water, high inflation and poor
delivery of public services. The concept of Democratic Governance
goes beyond the narrow definition of good governance to focus on
the needs and aspiration of the common people.
Democratic Governance requires mutually reinforcing progress on all
the three dimension of governance, i.e. political governance economic
governance and civic governance, as outlined in different chapters of
this Manifesto.
The political dimension of democratic governance requires strong
institutions like an effective parliament, independent judiciary
and Election Commission and a vigilant media. It also requires a
decentralized political system which ensures the supremacy of elected
representatives at all levels.
Role of Parliamentary Standing Committees shall be strengthened
for effective Parliamentary oversight. “An Ethics Committee at district
47
Democratic Governance
PML(N) is deeply committed to the following principles of democratic
governance as outlined in the “Charter of Democracy” signed on
May 14, 2006 in London between the leadership of PPP and PML(N):
“Noting our responsibility to our people to set an alternative
direction for the country, saving it from its present predicaments
on an economically sustainable, socially progressive, politically
democratic and pluralist, federally cooperative, ideologically
tolerant, internationally respectable and regionally peaceful
basis in the larger interests of the people of Pakistan, to decide
once for all that only the people and no one else has the
sovereign right to govern through their elected representatives,
as conceived by the democrat par excellence Father of the
Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.”
Lack of effective governance not only slows down the pace of economic
growth but also has a disproportionately large negative impact on
poor people due to polluted air, unclean water, high inflation and poor
delivery of public services. The concept of Democratic Governance
goes beyond the narrow definition of good governance to focus on
the needs and aspiration of the common people.
Democratic Governance requires mutually reinforcing progress on all
the three dimension of governance, i.e. political governance economic
governance and civic governance, as outlined in different chapters of
this Manifesto.
The political dimension of democratic governance requires strong
institutions like an effective parliament, independent judiciary
and Election Commission and a vigilant media. It also requires a
decentralized political system which ensures the supremacy of elected
representatives at all levels.
Role of Parliamentary Standing Committees shall be strengthened
for effective Parliamentary oversight. “An Ethics Committee at district
48
level shall monitor performance of its office bearers and elected
representatives”. Reforms to strengthen criminal justice system shall be
taken for speedy justice.
The economic dimension of democratic governance requires a system
that provides equal opportunities to all the citizens through equitable
access to education, skill, income generating assets credit and public
services in all parts of the country.
The civic dimension of democratic governance includes cooperation
between the state and the civil society. The civil society can strengthen
democracy and governance by empowering the common man,
demanding transparency and accountability and enforcing improved
standards of public services at all levels, right to information law based
on international best practices shall be passed to give every citizen the
right to know and to build institutional mechanism to increase access
to information.
Local Government:
Apart from consolidating democratic institutions and traditions at the
federal and provincial level, the imperative of democratic governance
can be fulfilled only through further decentralization by devolving
administrative and financial powers to elected representatives at
district and lower levels.
Unfortunately, Pakistan has not so far been able to evolve a viable and
sustainable system of local governments because during each period
of military rule, military dictators introduced a new system of local
bodies to serve their own political agenda. Such a system naturally
could not survive the transition from military to civilian rule.
PML(N) is fully committed to devolve political, administrative and
financial responsibility and authority to elected representatives of local
governments, under Article 140-A of the Constitution, adopted under
the 18th Amendment. Local Government Elections shall be held within
six months of general elections.
48
level shall monitor performance of its office bearers and elected
representatives”. Reforms to strengthen criminal justice system shall be
taken for speedy justice.
The economic dimension of democratic governance requires a system
that provides equal opportunities to all the citizens through equitable
access to education, skill, income generating assets credit and public
services in all parts of the country.
The civic dimension of democratic governance includes cooperation
between the state and the civil society. The civil society can strengthen
democracy and governance by empowering the common man,
demanding transparency and accountability and enforcing improved
standards of public services at all levels, right to information law based
on international best practices shall be passed to give every citizen the
right to know and to build institutional mechanism to increase access
to information.
Local Government:
Apart from consolidating democratic institutions and traditions at the
federal and provincial level, the imperative of democratic governance
can be fulfilled only through further decentralization by devolving
administrative and financial powers to elected representatives at
district and lower levels.
Unfortunately, Pakistan has not so far been able to evolve a viable and
sustainable system of local governments because during each period
of military rule, military dictators introduced a new system of local
bodies to serve their own political agenda. Such a system naturally
could not survive the transition from military to civilian rule.
PML(N) is fully committed to devolve political, administrative and
financial responsibility and authority to elected representatives of local
governments, under Article 140-A of the Constitution, adopted under
the 18th Amendment. Local Government Elections shall be held within
six months of general elections.
49
In implementing Article 140-A, every effort will be made to secure a
certain degree of uniformity in the local government system within
and among provinces so that democracy at the doorstep is the same
for people in all parts of Pakistan under a sustainable system.
PML(N) will also ensure that the new laws providing for a new local
bodies system in replacement of the 2002 system are adopted
by consensus and that they provide for optimum devolution and
decentralization of administrative and financial powers. Adequate
representation will be given in local bodies to women, peasants,
workers, technocrats, minorities and for the first time youth who will
thus be involved in local governance at an early stage. Arrangements
will also be made for Provinces to learn from each other’s experience.
Civil Service Reforms:
Reforms of the civil services will be undertaken at all levels to ensure
better governance and improved delivery of services to the public.
Much needs to be done to build a strong, efficient and professional
civil service.
Pakistan is a complex society and needs to initiate a unique and
bold attempt to reform its Civil Services system. It will be one of the
key components of a larger attempt to fundamentally restructure
the country’s state apparatus for democratic governance. The basic
thrust of the plan will be both a major Public Sector Government
Transformation Program as well as a major overhaul of the federal civil
service. Main purpose and objective of Civil Service Reforms will be:
.Ensuring open government through transparency,
accountability, and participation to fight corruption and improve
citizen engagement.
.Transforming public service into a highly capable service
provider by promoting merit based system at all levels through
improvements in recruitment, postings, promotion, training and
incentives.
.Turning public sector into High Performance Organizations by
49
In implementing Article 140-A, every effort will be made to secure a
certain degree of uniformity in the local government system within
and among provinces so that democracy at the doorstep is the same
for people in all parts of Pakistan under a sustainable system.
PML(N) will also ensure that the new laws providing for a new local
bodies system in replacement of the 2002 system are adopted
by consensus and that they provide for optimum devolution and
decentralization of administrative and financial powers. Adequate
representation will be given in local bodies to women, peasants,
workers, technocrats, minorities and for the first time youth who will
thus be involved in local governance at an early stage. Arrangements
will also be made for Provinces to learn from each other’s experience.
Civil Service Reforms:
Reforms of the civil services will be undertaken at all levels to ensure
better governance and improved delivery of services to the public.
Much needs to be done to build a strong, efficient and professional
civil service.
Pakistan is a complex society and needs to initiate a unique and
bold attempt to reform its Civil Services system. It will be one of the
key components of a larger attempt to fundamentally restructure
the country’s state apparatus for democratic governance. The basic
thrust of the plan will be both a major Public Sector Government
Transformation Program as well as a major overhaul of the federal civil
service. Main purpose and objective of Civil Service Reforms will be:
.Ensuring open government through transparency,
accountability, and participation to fight corruption and improve
citizen engagement.
.Transforming public service into a highly capable service
provider by promoting merit based system at all levels through
improvements in recruitment, postings, promotion, training and
incentives.
.Turning public sector into High Performance Organizations by
50
introducing result-based management to impact performance
and service delivery with a focus on quality, productivity,
evidence based planning, business process reform, restructuring
of government ministries and departments, citizen charters, and
policy integration and evaluation.
.Harnessing new technologies for efficiency and effectiveness
gains by deepening e-governance with a focus on leveraging
Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Geographic
Information System (GIS) tools and mobile technology.
.Creating responsive public sector by decentralizing service
delivery functions to district level in pursuance of the
constitutional mandate to pursue devolution.
.Mobilizing resources by enhancing revenues, increasing
expenditure efficiency with a focus on e-procurement,
professional project management, and performance based
budgeting to maximize value for money.
.Promoting pubic-private partnerships in production, service
delivery and infrastructure services.
.Building strategic policy development and implementation
capability, foster innovations through promoting knowledge
sharing, knowledge management, collaborations with academia
and private sector, and targeted allocations.
.Developing leadership for results and introducing modern
management practices / skills by reforming and strengthening
public sector training institutions.
It is equally important to evolve a strategic vision aimed at effectively
strengthening rather than eroding state capacity by developing a
comprehensive and holistic system for human resource management
in which recruitment, training, career planning and performance
evaluation become part of a coherent system.
Technical and scientific tools for governance can be of great help in
improving the efficiency and management of the affairs of the state like
computerization system for property documentation and transactions.
These will improve governance and reduce corruption. Land record
50
introducing result-based management to impact performance
and service delivery with a focus on quality, productivity,
evidence based planning, business process reform, restructuring
of government ministries and departments, citizen charters, and
policy integration and evaluation.
.Harnessing new technologies for efficiency and effectiveness
gains by deepening e-governance with a focus on leveraging
Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Geographic
Information System (GIS) tools and mobile technology.
.Creating responsive public sector by decentralizing service
delivery functions to district level in pursuance of the
constitutional mandate to pursue devolution.
.Mobilizing resources by enhancing revenues, increasing
expenditure efficiency with a focus on e-procurement,
professional project management, and performance based
budgeting to maximize value for money.
.Promoting pubic-private partnerships in production, service
delivery and infrastructure services.
.Building strategic policy development and implementation
capability, foster innovations through promoting knowledge
sharing, knowledge management, collaborations with academia
and private sector, and targeted allocations.
.Developing leadership for results and introducing modern
management practices / skills by reforming and strengthening
public sector training institutions.
It is equally important to evolve a strategic vision aimed at effectively
strengthening rather than eroding state capacity by developing a
comprehensive and holistic system for human resource management
in which recruitment, training, career planning and performance
evaluation become part of a coherent system.
Technical and scientific tools for governance can be of great help in
improving the efficiency and management of the affairs of the state like
computerization system for property documentation and transactions.
These will improve governance and reduce corruption. Land record
51
computerization project shall be extended to all provinces.
Taking government to the people and developing their ownership
is the way forward. Local problems need local participation and local
solutions through elected representatives at district and lower levels.
Special attention is needed for capacity building especially at provincial
and district levels.
An Early Warning System is required to be put in place an adequate
framework for monitoring and prevention of crises and for relief
operations. This system will be able to alert the executive, policy
and law makers in time to tackle the emerging crisis and help take
preventive measures.
Police Reforms:
Police laws will be reviewed to transform the police force into a
depoliticized, efficient and effective law-enforcement body, which is
highly motivated, trained and provided with modern / computerized
investigative technology, including updated forensic facilities. This
will include improvements in the “thana culture” to remove difficulties
faced by the complainants to register FIRs and to safeguard against
harassment of innocent persons.
All appointments in the Police Department in BPS-11 and above will
be made on merit through the respective Provincial Public Service
Commissions on the basis of competitive examinations.
A modern, well-equipped, and citizen friendly Police holds key to
fighting crime, maintaining peace and law and order in the society.
Police shall be reformed to become a community-based Smart Police
equipped with modern tools and technologies. Further,
.All police stations shall be converted into Model Police Stations
in phase wise approch.
.Recruitment in Police shall be ensured on merit.
.Forensic investigation capability shall be developed in each
district.
51
computerization project shall be extended to all provinces.
Taking government to the people and developing their ownership
is the way forward. Local problems need local participation and local
solutions through elected representatives at district and lower levels.
Special attention is needed for capacity building especially at provincial
and district levels.
An Early Warning System is required to be put in place an adequate
framework for monitoring and prevention of crises and for relief
operations. This system will be able to alert the executive, policy
and law makers in time to tackle the emerging crisis and help take
preventive measures.
Police Reforms:
Police laws will be reviewed to transform the police force into a
depoliticized, efficient and effective law-enforcement body, which is
highly motivated, trained and provided with modern / computerized
investigative technology, including updated forensic facilities. This
will include improvements in the “thana culture” to remove difficulties
faced by the complainants to register FIRs and to safeguard against
harassment of innocent persons.
All appointments in the Police Department in BPS-11 and above will
be made on merit through the respective Provincial Public Service
Commissions on the basis of competitive examinations.
A modern, well-equipped, and citizen friendly Police holds key to
fighting crime, maintaining peace and law and order in the society.
Police shall be reformed to become a community-based Smart Police
equipped with modern tools and technologies. Further,
.All police stations shall be converted into Model Police Stations
in phase wise approch.
.Recruitment in Police shall be ensured on merit.
.Forensic investigation capability shall be developed in each
district.
52
.National and provincial databases of criminals shall be built in
coordination with NADRA.
.All SHOs and public dealing staff will be trained in people skills.
.Police and intelligence agencies cooperation shall be improved
to prevent crimes and terrorism.
Information Technology and e-Government:
In the spirit of democratic governance, revolutionary polices and
visionary approach, we will give very high priority to the Information
and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. It is our belief that in
today’s global economic and technological dynamics, ICT plays a vital
role in national development, good governance, and public services.
The world is evolving rapidly into a knowledge-based economy.
Hence the ICT sector must become a primary sector at the national
level. PML(N) will evolve an active ICT policy and a new ICT regulatory
framework to create 1 million new direct and indirect jobs.
The development of Pakistan into an information society and
knowledge economy will be accomplished by building on and
strengthening four pillars:
a) Governance
b) Public Services
c) Local Software Economy and
d) Technology
1. Governance – The public sector will play a major role as an
enabler, producer and use of e/m applications and digital
content through the following specific measures:
a. Introduce and integrate ICT at the working and operational
levels of all major ministries and departments. Operational
efficiency of all major projects will be maximized through
ICT.
b. Establish an e-Government portal at federal and
provincial levels and convert manual approval processes
to automated processes thus reducing the ‘file culture’.
52
.National and provincial databases of criminals shall be built in
coordination with NADRA.
.All SHOs and public dealing staff will be trained in people skills.
.Police and intelligence agencies cooperation shall be improved
to prevent crimes and terrorism.
Information Technology and e-Government:
In the spirit of democratic governance, revolutionary polices and
visionary approach, we will give very high priority to the Information
and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. It is our belief that in
today’s global economic and technological dynamics, ICT plays a vital
role in national development, good governance, and public services.
The world is evolving rapidly into a knowledge-based economy.
Hence the ICT sector must become a primary sector at the national
level. PML(N) will evolve an active ICT policy and a new ICT regulatory
framework to create 1 million new direct and indirect jobs.
The development of Pakistan into an information society and
knowledge economy will be accomplished by building on and
strengthening four pillars:
a) Governance
b) Public Services
c) Local Software Economy and
d) Technology
1. Governance – The public sector will play a major role as an
enabler, producer and use of e/m applications and digital
content through the following specific measures:
a. Introduce and integrate ICT at the working and operational
levels of all major ministries and departments. Operational
efficiency of all major projects will be maximized through
ICT.
b. Establish an e-Government portal at federal and
provincial levels and convert manual approval processes
to automated processes thus reducing the ‘file culture’.
53
Use of ICT and automation will be a priority in law
enforcement, judiciary, health, education, manufacturing,
taxation and transportation sectors.
c. Automate all citizens’ databases, including land and
property records in an integrated manner to create a
master database of citizens at the national level that
contains all relevant information such as NADRA data,
FBR data, land records, property data, vehicle ownership,
and arms data. This will facilitate transition towards a
documented economy and will significantly expand the
tax net.
d. Create and implement performance monitoring
dashboards for all major ministries, provincial, district and
city governments, and major national projects.
e. Demonstrate respect for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
at the government level, evolving legislation to protect
IPR and ensuring enforcement of the relevant laws in
letter and spirit.
f. Create an autonomous organization to investigate and
prevent cyber crimes.
2. Public Services will be improved through the use of information
technology by:
a. Expanding access to knowledge through e-libraries,
computer-based vocational trainings, online journals and
periodicals.
b. Bridging rural-urban digital divide by establishing 500
ICT centers in smaller cities and towns to reduce the
knowledge gap and break rural isolation.
c. Expanding IT labs and access to laptops in the education
sector across Pakistan, as already demonstrated by PML(N)
in Punjab.
d. Promoting the use of e-Commerce and branch-less
banking maximizing the online availability of information
for citizens (such as crop & consumer price indexes for
53
Use of ICT and automation will be a priority in law
enforcement, judiciary, health, education, manufacturing,
taxation and transportation sectors.
c. Automate all citizens’ databases, including land and
property records in an integrated manner to create a
master database of citizens at the national level that
contains all relevant information such as NADRA data,
FBR data, land records, property data, vehicle ownership,
and arms data. This will facilitate transition towards a
documented economy and will significantly expand the
tax net.
d. Create and implement performance monitoring
dashboards for all major ministries, provincial, district and
city governments, and major national projects.
e. Demonstrate respect for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
at the government level, evolving legislation to protect
IPR and ensuring enforcement of the relevant laws in
letter and spirit.
f. Create an autonomous organization to investigate and
prevent cyber crimes.
2. Public Services will be improved through the use of information
technology by:
a. Expanding access to knowledge through e-libraries,
computer-based vocational trainings, online journals and
periodicals.
b. Bridging rural-urban digital divide by establishing 500
ICT centers in smaller cities and towns to reduce the
knowledge gap and break rural isolation.
c. Expanding IT labs and access to laptops in the education
sector across Pakistan, as already demonstrated by PML(N)
in Punjab.
d. Promoting the use of e-Commerce and branch-less
banking maximizing the online availability of information
for citizens (such as crop & consumer price indexes for
54
farmers & citizens).
e. Promoting and facilitating software industry to develop
country-specific content for the customer to be accessed
through 4G and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks and
other advanced technologies.
f. Standardized information about public services will be
made available through call centers and text messages,
in addition to internet, to ensure widest access to citizens
from all sections of society.
g. Wide penetration of cell phones in all sections of
society will be leveraged to proactively seek feedback
from citizens, disseminate public service messages, and
increase citizens engagement.
3. Local Software Economy – Promote the local software industry
to generate annual exports of at least US$ 10 billion by 2020:
a. Revise IT curriculum in higher education to ensure that
the students are imparted most advanced and relevant
technology concepts, thus creating a pool of world-class
workforce.
b. Provide appropriate incentives to the hardware and
software industry including start-up assistance to new
software houses to promote entrepreneurship.
c. Development of IT parks in major cities that will offer
world-class infrastructure for IT companies to operate
without any impediments to their business and
facilitate interaction with academia, industry and other
stakeholders.
d. Position Pakistan as a destination of choice in the region
for offshore ICT business establishment and investors.
e. When appropriate, include a ‘technology transfer’ and
‘percentage local development and content’ clause in
future government projects.
f. Adherence to relevant international ICT standards will be
ensured with regards to certification and processes.
54
farmers & citizens).
e. Promoting and facilitating software industry to develop
country-specific content for the customer to be accessed
through 4G and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks and
other advanced technologies.
f. Standardized information about public services will be
made available through call centers and text messages,
in addition to internet, to ensure widest access to citizens
from all sections of society.
g. Wide penetration of cell phones in all sections of
society will be leveraged to proactively seek feedback
from citizens, disseminate public service messages, and
increase citizens engagement.
3. Local Software Economy – Promote the local software industry
to generate annual exports of at least US$ 10 billion by 2020:
a. Revise IT curriculum in higher education to ensure that
the students are imparted most advanced and relevant
technology concepts, thus creating a pool of world-class
workforce.
b. Provide appropriate incentives to the hardware and
software industry including start-up assistance to new
software houses to promote entrepreneurship.
c. Development of IT parks in major cities that will offer
world-class infrastructure for IT companies to operate
without any impediments to their business and
facilitate interaction with academia, industry and other
stakeholders.
d. Position Pakistan as a destination of choice in the region
for offshore ICT business establishment and investors.
e. When appropriate, include a ‘technology transfer’ and
‘percentage local development and content’ clause in
future government projects.
f. Adherence to relevant international ICT standards will be
ensured with regards to certification and processes.
55
4. Technology Dissemination – A comprehensive programme
will be launched to ensure fast track induction of modern ICT
technologies through:
a. Frog leap from 2.5G to 4G/LTE. The window of opportunity
to deploy 5 year old 3G has passed.
b. Develop a network of (renewable energy-based) kiosks
in rural communities and poor urban centers to facilitate
access to information (agriculture prices for farmers) and
facilitate e-commerce.
c. Leverage ICT R&D fund to establish Centers of Excellence
in different universities to foster research and innovation.
d. Improve the working of the Universal Services Fund
(USF) and utilize its resources to bridge rural-urban digital
divide and establish Wi-Fi hotspots.
e. Unplug the unique interactive quality of Social Media to
promote innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship
by engaging, soliciting ideas, listening and learning from
customers, suppliers, employees and all sectors of society.
Promote strategic adoption of social media by businesses,
organizations and government institutions to improve
discrete functions and practices and remain relevant to
all their stakeholders.
Through these programmes every effort will be made to reduce the
digital divide between urban and rural areas and enhance access to
government services and business opportunities in all parts of Pakistan
as an important component of democratic governance.
55
4. Technology Dissemination – A comprehensive programme
will be launched to ensure fast track induction of modern ICT
technologies through:
a. Frog leap from 2.5G to 4G/LTE. The window of opportunity
to deploy 5 year old 3G has passed.
b. Develop a network of (renewable energy-based) kiosks
in rural communities and poor urban centers to facilitate
access to information (agriculture prices for farmers) and
facilitate e-commerce.
c. Leverage ICT R&D fund to establish Centers of Excellence
in different universities to foster research and innovation.
d. Improve the working of the Universal Services Fund
(USF) and utilize its resources to bridge rural-urban digital
divide and establish Wi-Fi hotspots.
e. Unplug the unique interactive quality of Social Media to
promote innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship
by engaging, soliciting ideas, listening and learning from
customers, suppliers, employees and all sectors of society.
Promote strategic adoption of social media by businesses,
organizations and government institutions to improve
discrete functions and practices and remain relevant to
all their stakeholders.
Through these programmes every effort will be made to reduce the
digital divide between urban and rural areas and enhance access to
government services and business opportunities in all parts of Pakistan
as an important component of democratic governance.
56
Science
and
Technology
56
Science
and
Technology
57
Science and Technology
The Science and Technology (S&T) policy represents a strategic shift
from the prevailing piece-meal approach to a holistic S&T strategy.
Focus will be on the rapid development of human resources and
providing meaningful employment to a growing young, educated
segment of the population:
.Improved communication, coordination and collaboration
among S&T, ICT and other sectors of socio-economic
development.
.Immediate ‘Innovation Incubators’ at each major school of
Science & Technology and medicine.
.‘Holistic Technology Clusters’ in every major city of every
province within 5-years.
.Relevant R&D through international collaboration.
.Create one million new jobs within 5-years that enhance socioeconomic
development.
In addition to the traditional fields of Science & Technology, the
policy focus represents a paradigm shift in Research & Development
in emerging technologies and its strategic exploitation through
commercialisation opportunities to create new companies, new
solutions and new jobs. The policy focus is on ensuring that Pakistan
acquires world-class expertise within 5-years in at least the following
emerging technologies:
.Nanotechnology and Biotechnology
.Fuel Cell Technology
.Renewable Energy Technologies
.Satellite and Satellite launch technology
Nanotechnology and Biotechnology Revolution
through International Collaboration
Nanotechnology and Biotechnology encompass fields as diverse as
Material Sciences, Medicine, Agriculture, Physics, Chemistry, Biology,
57
Science and Technology
The Science and Technology (S&T) policy represents a strategic shift
from the prevailing piece-meal approach to a holistic S&T strategy.
Focus will be on the rapid development of human resources and
providing meaningful employment to a growing young, educated
segment of the population:
.Improved communication, coordination and collaboration
among S&T, ICT and other sectors of socio-economic
development.
.Immediate ‘Innovation Incubators’ at each major school of
Science & Technology and medicine.
.‘Holistic Technology Clusters’ in every major city of every
province within 5-years.
.Relevant R&D through international collaboration.
.Create one million new jobs within 5-years that enhance socioeconomic
development.
In addition to the traditional fields of Science & Technology, the
policy focus represents a paradigm shift in Research & Development
in emerging technologies and its strategic exploitation through
commercialisation opportunities to create new companies, new
solutions and new jobs. The policy focus is on ensuring that Pakistan
acquires world-class expertise within 5-years in at least the following
emerging technologies:
.Nanotechnology and Biotechnology
.Fuel Cell Technology
.Renewable Energy Technologies
.Satellite and Satellite launch technology
Nanotechnology and Biotechnology Revolution
through International Collaboration
Nanotechnology and Biotechnology encompass fields as diverse as
Material Sciences, Medicine, Agriculture, Physics, Chemistry, Biology,
58
Engineering, Electronics and Energy. Policy focus will be on the rapid
development of human resources:
.Establish priority research areas for a Ten- Year Plan for Nano &
Biotechnology (TYPNB), keeping in perspective its long term
benefits to other socio-economic sectors and relevance to
international collaboration.
.R&D and commercialization are an expensive proposition.
Therefore, focus will be on international public-private
collaboration and alliances with strategic partners, from
developing and developed nations, keen to exploit the
availability of low-cost R&D human resources.
.Establish the Pakistan Foundation for Nanotechnology (PFN)
and Pakistan Foundation for Biotechnology (PFB).
.Establish a network of interdisciplinary Laboratories and
Innovation Incubators located on the campus of each major
school of Science & Technology and medicine.
.Innovation Incubators to help entrepreneurs develop a large
number of companies through an ecosystem that provides free
development space, commercialisation guidance from industry,
business schools, and venture capitalists.
.Move successful innovations from Incubators to ‘Holistic
Technology Clusters’ to promote growth and collaboration with
other sectors.
Fuel Cell Technology
Policy focus on ensuring Pakistan developing world class expertise by
2020 towards a Hydrogen Economy:
.Fuel Cell Technology Research & Development and application.
.Fuel Cell Technology based Product innovation, development &
manufacture & export.
Develop International Commercial Satellite
Launch Capability:
Policy focus on Public Private Sector Collaboration between Industry
58
Engineering, Electronics and Energy. Policy focus will be on the rapid
development of human resources:
.Establish priority research areas for a Ten- Year Plan for Nano &
Biotechnology (TYPNB), keeping in perspective its long term
benefits to other socio-economic sectors and relevance to
international collaboration.
.R&D and commercialization are an expensive proposition.
Therefore, focus will be on international public-private
collaboration and alliances with strategic partners, from
developing and developed nations, keen to exploit the
availability of low-cost R&D human resources.
.Establish the Pakistan Foundation for Nanotechnology (PFN)
and Pakistan Foundation for Biotechnology (PFB).
.Establish a network of interdisciplinary Laboratories and
Innovation Incubators located on the campus of each major
school of Science & Technology and medicine.
.Innovation Incubators to help entrepreneurs develop a large
number of companies through an ecosystem that provides free
development space, commercialisation guidance from industry,
business schools, and venture capitalists.
.Move successful innovations from Incubators to ‘Holistic
Technology Clusters’ to promote growth and collaboration with
other sectors.
Fuel Cell Technology
Policy focus on ensuring Pakistan developing world class expertise by
2020 towards a Hydrogen Economy:
.Fuel Cell Technology Research & Development and application.
.Fuel Cell Technology based Product innovation, development &
manufacture & export.
Develop International Commercial Satellite
Launch Capability:
Policy focus on Public Private Sector Collaboration between Industry
59
and Defence services to exploit the investments and technological
advances already made in the defence sector and apply them to
commercial sectors. This has already been successfully implemented
by many developed and developing nations to achieve strategic
advances, and create jobs:
.Exploit the existing indigenous expertise in missile, solid
fuel, launch and command, control communication systems
technologies of the National Development Complex to develop
an indigenous satellite design and commercial launch capability.
An Early Warning System is required to be put in place an adequate
framework for monitoring and prevention of crises and for relief
operations. This system will be able to alert the executive, policy
and law makers in time to tackle the emerging crisis and help take
preventive measures.
.Spin-off Satellite Design and Commercial Satellite Launch
capabilities to exploit the commercial satellite launch market
that is projected to exceed $100 billion in this decade and
currently suffers from massive backlog due to insufficient
capacity.
Renewable Energy Technologies:
Ensure Pakistan develops world class expertise by 2020 in traditional
forms of renewable energy (Hydel, Wind, Solar, Micro, and Biogas).
Immediate focus on Wind Turbine Technology to achieve strategic
advances, create jobs and sustainable socio-economic benefits:
.Wind turbine technology is similar to jet engine technology
that Pakistan already possesses at its National Development
Complex. Exploit the existing indigenous expertise in aerospace
to develop an indigenous commercial wind turbine innovation,
development and manufacturing and export capability. Wind
turbine market size is projected to grow rapidly and currently
suffers from a massive backing due to insufficient worldwide
capacity.
59
and Defence services to exploit the investments and technological
advances already made in the defence sector and apply them to
commercial sectors. This has already been successfully implemented
by many developed and developing nations to achieve strategic
advances, and create jobs:
.Exploit the existing indigenous expertise in missile, solid
fuel, launch and command, control communication systems
technologies of the National Development Complex to develop
an indigenous satellite design and commercial launch capability.
An Early Warning System is required to be put in place an adequate
framework for monitoring and prevention of crises and for relief
operations. This system will be able to alert the executive, policy
and law makers in time to tackle the emerging crisis and help take
preventive measures.
.Spin-off Satellite Design and Commercial Satellite Launch
capabilities to exploit the commercial satellite launch market
that is projected to exceed $100 billion in this decade and
currently suffers from massive backlog due to insufficient
capacity.
Renewable Energy Technologies:
Ensure Pakistan develops world class expertise by 2020 in traditional
forms of renewable energy (Hydel, Wind, Solar, Micro, and Biogas).
Immediate focus on Wind Turbine Technology to achieve strategic
advances, create jobs and sustainable socio-economic benefits:
.Wind turbine technology is similar to jet engine technology
that Pakistan already possesses at its National Development
Complex. Exploit the existing indigenous expertise in aerospace
to develop an indigenous commercial wind turbine innovation,
development and manufacturing and export capability. Wind
turbine market size is projected to grow rapidly and currently
suffers from a massive backing due to insufficient worldwide
capacity.
The
Employment
Challenge
The
Employment
Challenge
61
The Employment Challenge
A major aim of the socio-economic policies of PML(N) will be to
expand employment opportunities in order to reduce poverty and
at the same time ensure a fuller utilization of the country’s human
resources for productive purposes. One of the main objectives of
economic revival programme proposed in chapter 1 is to address the
employment challenge facing the country. In addition, the following
specific programmes and initiatives will be undertaken:
.A National Manpower Plan will be prepared to match the
demand and supply of manpower and provide a basis for
periodical adjustments in education and training programmes.
.New employment opportunities will be provided to over three
million persons in the public and private sectors including 1
million each in IT sector and 1 million in SME sector.
.The minimum wage for workers will be gradually enhanced to
Rs. 15,000 per month. Rights of workers will be ensured and the
role of collective bargaining agents will be made more effective
keeping in view the relevant ILO Conventions.
.A programme of vigorous industrialization and small and
medium enterprises will be undertaken in the urban and rural
areas to absorb unemployed labour.
.Maximum emphasis will be placed on the programmes
of rural development to provide gainful opportunities for
income and employment within the rural areas and curb the
prevailing tendency of migration from urban to rural areas. The
programme will include facilities for encouraging youth social
entrepreneurship projects for disadvantaged youth.
.The taxation system will be modified to encourage rapid growth
in investment, particularly in employment intensive activities.
.Employment opportunities for qualified doctors will be
provided by constructing more hospitals, extending soft term,
easy installment loans to doctors to establish them in private
practice; and giving tax concessions for establishment and
61
The Employment Challenge
A major aim of the socio-economic policies of PML(N) will be to
expand employment opportunities in order to reduce poverty and
at the same time ensure a fuller utilization of the country’s human
resources for productive purposes. One of the main objectives of
economic revival programme proposed in chapter 1 is to address the
employment challenge facing the country. In addition, the following
specific programmes and initiatives will be undertaken:
.A National Manpower Plan will be prepared to match the
demand and supply of manpower and provide a basis for
periodical adjustments in education and training programmes.
.New employment opportunities will be provided to over three
million persons in the public and private sectors including 1
million each in IT sector and 1 million in SME sector.
.The minimum wage for workers will be gradually enhanced to
Rs. 15,000 per month. Rights of workers will be ensured and the
role of collective bargaining agents will be made more effective
keeping in view the relevant ILO Conventions.
.A programme of vigorous industrialization and small and
medium enterprises will be undertaken in the urban and rural
areas to absorb unemployed labour.
.Maximum emphasis will be placed on the programmes
of rural development to provide gainful opportunities for
income and employment within the rural areas and curb the
prevailing tendency of migration from urban to rural areas. The
programme will include facilities for encouraging youth social
entrepreneurship projects for disadvantaged youth.
.The taxation system will be modified to encourage rapid growth
in investment, particularly in employment intensive activities.
.Employment opportunities for qualified doctors will be
provided by constructing more hospitals, extending soft term,
easy installment loans to doctors to establish them in private
practice; and giving tax concessions for establishment and
62
expansion of private hospitals.
.A comprehensive programme will be implemented for the full
absorption of engineers, scientists and other skilled manpower,
including a new National Consultancy Policy for greater use
of national consultants, strengthening and expansion of
existing scientific institutions, creation of new institutes for
modern technologies and making it obligatory for the private
industrialists to hire adequate expertise in their respective fields.
.A programme for the development of technical skills to
produce technically trained and employable manpower will
be implemented. For this purpose, the intake of polytechnics
and vocational schools will be expanded partly by introducing
double shifts in the existing institutions and facilities for
vocational training and computer literacy created in all high
schools and colleges.
.Para-medical training institutions for females will be attached
to each district and tehsil hospital and facilities for the training
of female teachers will be expanded in all districts to meet the
large demand for these personnel, particularly in rural areas.
.In the longer run, the employment challenge is closely linked
to the rate at which the country’s population is growing. The
annual average growth rate has slowed from 2.6 percent in the
1990s to about 2.0% in the past decade which is the highest
in South Asia. PML(N) will strengthen the policy and advocacy
components of the Population Welfare Programme and support
Provincial efforts to integrate service delivery with the health
infrastructure in the public and private sectors.
Labour:
The rights of labourers shall be protected. PML(N) will develop a skilled
labour force to meet the challenges of a growing economy. Labour
laws will be revised to ensure justice to all parties and to improve
working relations and overall growth.
‘Tripartite National and Provincial Productivity Council’ and ‘National
62
expansion of private hospitals.
.A comprehensive programme will be implemented for the full
absorption of engineers, scientists and other skilled manpower,
including a new National Consultancy Policy for greater use
of national consultants, strengthening and expansion of
existing scientific institutions, creation of new institutes for
modern technologies and making it obligatory for the private
industrialists to hire adequate expertise in their respective fields.
.A programme for the development of technical skills to
produce technically trained and employable manpower will
be implemented. For this purpose, the intake of polytechnics
and vocational schools will be expanded partly by introducing
double shifts in the existing institutions and facilities for
vocational training and computer literacy created in all high
schools and colleges.
.Para-medical training institutions for females will be attached
to each district and tehsil hospital and facilities for the training
of female teachers will be expanded in all districts to meet the
large demand for these personnel, particularly in rural areas.
.In the longer run, the employment challenge is closely linked
to the rate at which the country’s population is growing. The
annual average growth rate has slowed from 2.6 percent in the
1990s to about 2.0% in the past decade which is the highest
in South Asia. PML(N) will strengthen the policy and advocacy
components of the Population Welfare Programme and support
Provincial efforts to integrate service delivery with the health
infrastructure in the public and private sectors.
Labour:
The rights of labourers shall be protected. PML(N) will develop a skilled
labour force to meet the challenges of a growing economy. Labour
laws will be revised to ensure justice to all parties and to improve
working relations and overall growth.
‘Tripartite National and Provincial Productivity Council’ and ‘National
63
Health & Safety Council’will be set up to raise and develop “productivity”
and “preventive safer culture” in the country through joint efforts of the
Government, Employer and Workers.
Ensuring “Decent Work” for the national work force by ensuring fair wage
and safe working condition to prevent accidents and occupational
diseases at work place and provision of social protection.
Overseas Pakistanis:
PML(N) considers overseas Pakistanis are a major strategic asset of
Pakistan. There are at least 8 million overseas Pakistanis who are playing
an important role in the economic well being of Pakistan by remitting
$ 12 billion every year. Given the right environment and special
incentives, many overseas Pakistanis will be encouraged to invest their
talent and resources in suitable ventures and products.
PML(N) will ask Banks and DFIs to offer special products and financial
instruments to provide secure and profitable avenues of investment
to overseas Pakistanis. A certain percentage of public offerings of all
new floatations will be reserved for overseas Pakistanis with the object
of channeling at least 50% of annual remittances into productive
investment. In addition PML(N) will take steps to:
.A special consultative mechanism called Overseas Pakistanis
Business and Professional Forum will be set up as a permanent
body to give a voice to overseas Pakistanis and enhance their
role in the nation building process.
.Initiate a bank loans scheme for small to medium new business
start-up, tax and duty holidays in industrial zones for those
returning to Pakistan and desirous of setting up their own
businesses.
.Undertake a campaign through relevant federal and provincial
agencies to provide free certified vocational training to those
intending to proceed abroad for employment on the basis
of periodical surveys of skills required in different countries.
This will advance their job prospects and better remuneration
63
Health & Safety Council’will be set up to raise and develop “productivity”
and “preventive safer culture” in the country through joint efforts of the
Government, Employer and Workers.
Ensuring “Decent Work” for the national work force by ensuring fair wage
and safe working condition to prevent accidents and occupational
diseases at work place and provision of social protection.
Overseas Pakistanis:
PML(N) considers overseas Pakistanis are a major strategic asset of
Pakistan. There are at least 8 million overseas Pakistanis who are playing
an important role in the economic well being of Pakistan by remitting
$ 12 billion every year. Given the right environment and special
incentives, many overseas Pakistanis will be encouraged to invest their
talent and resources in suitable ventures and products.
PML(N) will ask Banks and DFIs to offer special products and financial
instruments to provide secure and profitable avenues of investment
to overseas Pakistanis. A certain percentage of public offerings of all
new floatations will be reserved for overseas Pakistanis with the object
of channeling at least 50% of annual remittances into productive
investment. In addition PML(N) will take steps to:
.A special consultative mechanism called Overseas Pakistanis
Business and Professional Forum will be set up as a permanent
body to give a voice to overseas Pakistanis and enhance their
role in the nation building process.
.Initiate a bank loans scheme for small to medium new business
start-up, tax and duty holidays in industrial zones for those
returning to Pakistan and desirous of setting up their own
businesses.
.Undertake a campaign through relevant federal and provincial
agencies to provide free certified vocational training to those
intending to proceed abroad for employment on the basis
of periodical surveys of skills required in different countries.
This will advance their job prospects and better remuneration
64
through internationally acceptable certification programmes.
.Encourage highly skilled overseas Pakistanis to pay Government
sponsored short visits to Pakistan to impart local training in their
specialized fields.
.Improve remittance system through official banking channels
through after-hours facilities and revising “Gold Card” rewards
scheme.
.Grant voting rights to all overseas Pakistanis and dual-nationals.
All CNIC and NICOP holders will be facilitated to register their
votes with the Election Commission in order to vote in person
or by a postal ballot system.
.Schools for overseas Pakistani children to be transformed into
top quality education institutions. These shall be strengthened
through merit based transparent appointments, management
and infrastructure.
.Protection to property of Overseas Pakistanis will be provided
against Qabza Mafias.
.Advisory Committees shall be set-up comprising of distinguished
overseas Pakistanis. These committees will stay in close contact
with the Pakistani embassies to resolve issues. Ambassadors will
be directed to cooperate with the committees.
64
through internationally acceptable certification programmes.
.Encourage highly skilled overseas Pakistanis to pay Government
sponsored short visits to Pakistan to impart local training in their
specialized fields.
.Improve remittance system through official banking channels
through after-hours facilities and revising “Gold Card” rewards
scheme.
.Grant voting rights to all overseas Pakistanis and dual-nationals.
All CNIC and NICOP holders will be facilitated to register their
votes with the Election Commission in order to vote in person
or by a postal ballot system.
.Schools for overseas Pakistani children to be transformed into
top quality education institutions. These shall be strengthened
through merit based transparent appointments, management
and infrastructure.
.Protection to property of Overseas Pakistanis will be provided
against Qabza Mafias.
.Advisory Committees shall be set-up comprising of distinguished
overseas Pakistanis. These committees will stay in close contact
with the Pakistani embassies to resolve issues. Ambassadors will
be directed to cooperate with the committees.
Media, Art
& Culture
Media, Art
& Culture
66
MEDIA
PML(N) recognizes media as the fourth pillar of democratic system.
Freedom of media shall be respected and guaranteed.
• Law to curb harassment of media shall be enacted.
• A comprehensive insurance scheme shall be introduced to cover
journalists against death and injury due to harassment in discharge
of professional duties.
• Fund for training of journalists shall be established.
• PTV/PBC shall be made autonomous bodies.
ART & CULTURE
Art and culture are vital for quality of life and promote soft image of
the country. Art is a source of ideas, inspiration and creative optical.
PML (N) shall promote art and culture to project our cultural heritage
at home and abroad.
• Pakistan film and cinema industry is in crisis. Quality films will be
encouraged to revive both the industries.
• Art and cultural activities shall be promoted at all levels.
• Fund shall be established to support new talent development
• Existing art & cultural institutes shall be strengthened
• Pakistani productions will be dubbed in international languages to
project Pakistani culture abroad.
• International level media cities shall be established.
• Regional folk culture should be promoted to preserve the richness
of Pakistani culture and heritage.
• Promote creative activities in the educational institutions.
66
MEDIA
PML(N) recognizes media as the fourth pillar of democratic system.
Freedom of media shall be respected and guaranteed.
• Law to curb harassment of media shall be enacted.
• A comprehensive insurance scheme shall be introduced to cover
journalists against death and injury due to harassment in discharge
of professional duties.
• Fund for training of journalists shall be established.
• PTV/PBC shall be made autonomous bodies.
ART & CULTURE
Art and culture are vital for quality of life and promote soft image of
the country. Art is a source of ideas, inspiration and creative optical.
PML (N) shall promote art and culture to project our cultural heritage
at home and abroad.
• Pakistan film and cinema industry is in crisis. Quality films will be
encouraged to revive both the industries.
• Art and cultural activities shall be promoted at all levels.
• Fund shall be established to support new talent development
• Existing art & cultural institutes shall be strengthened
• Pakistani productions will be dubbed in international languages to
project Pakistani culture abroad.
• International level media cities shall be established.
• Regional folk culture should be promoted to preserve the richness
of Pakistani culture and heritage.
• Promote creative activities in the educational institutions.
A Charter
for Inter-
Provincial
Harmony
A Charter
for Inter-
Provincial
Harmony
68
A Charter for Inter-Provincial Harmony
“If you do judge, judge between them justly. Allah loves the just.”
(Surat al-Maida, 42)
Pakistan is a federation and the harmonious interaction between its
provinces and territories is critical for its progress. Stronger provinces can
make a stronger federation since the federation is as good as the sum of
its parts. Pakistan is blessed with various entities. In order to unite them,
we need to strengthen them. PML(N) believes in maximum provincial
autonomy for each province in accordance with the vision of the founding
father and as set forth in the constitution.
PML(N) is a national party with a strong belief in inter-provincial harmony
and is committed to evolving a common national agenda to promote
inter-provincial harmony. PML(N)’s Charter for Inter-Provincial Harmony has
a two prong strategy; firstly the identification of certain initiatives which
need to be undertaken across all provinces for equality, bonding, harmony
and peace. Secondly certain initiatives, which are province specific so that
the provinces can come at par with each other and become productive
and healthy members of the federation. The definition of parts for PML(N)
is specific. PML(N) technically considers Azad Jammu & Kashmir and
Gilgit-Baltistan as provinces, equal to Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Balochistan.
Following are the key elements of our Inter-provincial Charter which can
bring harmony and make Pakistan a cradle for its people.
1 - Maximum autonomy to provinces:
.Whilst all provinces have been granted additional autonomy through
the 18th amendment, it has not been fully implemented. PML(N) will
ensure that the autonomy envisaged in the 18th amendment is fully
implemented in the shortest possible time. A parliamentary committee
will be constituted to monitor and supervise this process.
.The functions, responsibilities and financial powers of the AJK and
GB will be gradually brought at par with the provinces. The AJK/GB
legislative assemblies will be empowered.
.The Council of Common Interests will meet as per its constitutional mandate.
68
A Charter for Inter-Provincial Harmony
“If you do judge, judge between them justly. Allah loves the just.”
(Surat al-Maida, 42)
Pakistan is a federation and the harmonious interaction between its
provinces and territories is critical for its progress. Stronger provinces can
make a stronger federation since the federation is as good as the sum of
its parts. Pakistan is blessed with various entities. In order to unite them,
we need to strengthen them. PML(N) believes in maximum provincial
autonomy for each province in accordance with the vision of the founding
father and as set forth in the constitution.
PML(N) is a national party with a strong belief in inter-provincial harmony
and is committed to evolving a common national agenda to promote
inter-provincial harmony. PML(N)’s Charter for Inter-Provincial Harmony has
a two prong strategy; firstly the identification of certain initiatives which
need to be undertaken across all provinces for equality, bonding, harmony
and peace. Secondly certain initiatives, which are province specific so that
the provinces can come at par with each other and become productive
and healthy members of the federation. The definition of parts for PML(N)
is specific. PML(N) technically considers Azad Jammu & Kashmir and
Gilgit-Baltistan as provinces, equal to Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Balochistan.
Following are the key elements of our Inter-provincial Charter which can
bring harmony and make Pakistan a cradle for its people.
1 - Maximum autonomy to provinces:
.Whilst all provinces have been granted additional autonomy through
the 18th amendment, it has not been fully implemented. PML(N) will
ensure that the autonomy envisaged in the 18th amendment is fully
implemented in the shortest possible time. A parliamentary committee
will be constituted to monitor and supervise this process.
.The functions, responsibilities and financial powers of the AJK and
GB will be gradually brought at par with the provinces. The AJK/GB
legislative assemblies will be empowered.
.The Council of Common Interests will meet as per its constitutional mandate.
69
Observer status will be given to territories on CCI, NFC and IRSA.
.A basic minimum criteria of good practices and values which are
representative of the Federation and Pakistaniyat, will also be charted
which will ensure that the provinces are woven together by shared
values. This code will be known as the Pakistaniyat Code.
2 - Fair Water Distribution
.PML(N) will ensure that the 1991 Water Accord is implemented in letter
and spirit.
.IRSA will be restructured and strengthened to ensure neutrality and fair
distribution of water as per 1991 Accord.
.PML(N) will curtail Intra-provincial water theft between head and tail
farmers by canal lining and other measures. District wise monitoring
committees will be set up to ensure reduction in water theft.
.No water projects will be commenced without consensus among all
the concerned units of the Federation.
.Old and new affectees displaced by any water projects will
be adequately compensated. All water projects will have
environmental assessment reports presented to the CCI so that the
environmental protection objectives are fully secured. Past royalty,
boundary disputes on water projects between provinces will be
taken to CCI for speedy resolution.
3 - Inter-provincial Drainage Accord:
.There is much acrimony over how waste waters from certain provinces
flow into others and destroy the lands in the receiving province. A fair
accord between all provinces and territories will be carried out so
as to dispose the waste waters without causing environmental and
financial damage to any of the provinces/ territories.
.The financial responsibility for the treatment of waste water will lie
onto the waste originating province/ territory.
.The age old practice of dumping waste into fresh water lakes would
be stopped and such lakes will be rehabilitated.
.Villages on the borders of the Sindh, Baluchistan and Punjab where
this waste causes much damage and the coastal belt of Sindh will
be duly compensated and will have the right to petition.
69
Observer status will be given to territories on CCI, NFC and IRSA.
.A basic minimum criteria of good practices and values which are
representative of the Federation and Pakistaniyat, will also be charted
which will ensure that the provinces are woven together by shared
values. This code will be known as the Pakistaniyat Code.
2 - Fair Water Distribution
.PML(N) will ensure that the 1991 Water Accord is implemented in letter
and spirit.
.IRSA will be restructured and strengthened to ensure neutrality and fair
distribution of water as per 1991 Accord.
.PML(N) will curtail Intra-provincial water theft between head and tail
farmers by canal lining and other measures. District wise monitoring
committees will be set up to ensure reduction in water theft.
.No water projects will be commenced without consensus among all
the concerned units of the Federation.
.Old and new affectees displaced by any water projects will
be adequately compensated. All water projects will have
environmental assessment reports presented to the CCI so that the
environmental protection objectives are fully secured. Past royalty,
boundary disputes on water projects between provinces will be
taken to CCI for speedy resolution.
3 - Inter-provincial Drainage Accord:
.There is much acrimony over how waste waters from certain provinces
flow into others and destroy the lands in the receiving province. A fair
accord between all provinces and territories will be carried out so
as to dispose the waste waters without causing environmental and
financial damage to any of the provinces/ territories.
.The financial responsibility for the treatment of waste water will lie
onto the waste originating province/ territory.
.The age old practice of dumping waste into fresh water lakes would
be stopped and such lakes will be rehabilitated.
.Villages on the borders of the Sindh, Baluchistan and Punjab where
this waste causes much damage and the coastal belt of Sindh will
be duly compensated and will have the right to petition.
70
.A special Inter-provincial Drainage Committee (IPDC) will monitor
these problems and submit periodical reports to the IPCC and its
parliamentary wing.
4 - National Language Bill:
Pakistan currently has many mother tongues but only one national
language which is Urdu and one official language which is English.
In most nation states all major mother tongues are national
languages. A National Language Commission will be set up by
the PML(N) government to develop criteria for giving the status of
national language to all major languages.
5 - Census:
Just distribution and management of resources on the basis of
correct and updated census data will create harmony. PML(N) will
ensure that the census due since 2008 is carried out as early as
possible and in time to facilitate delimitation based on new census
data well before the next elections.
6 - Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
Trust and Reconciliation Commission will be established to discover
and reveal the truth about past wrong-doings, acknowledge
sufferings of victims and recommend, inter-alia, appropriate
compensation / reparation to the victims and their families.
7 - Inter-provincial Youth Programmes:
Exchanges between youth of different provinces and job
opportunities in public and private sector will be encouraged
through the IP internship programme and the IP volunteer
programme. Exchange of rural and urban youth will be undertaken
to create a better understanding of our diversity being our strength.
Culture and sports will be encouraged at an inter-provincial level.
8 - Development Monitoring:
Standardization of public sector services across all of Pakistan will
be undertaken so that the quality of life in each province is not
70
.A special Inter-provincial Drainage Committee (IPDC) will monitor
these problems and submit periodical reports to the IPCC and its
parliamentary wing.
4 - National Language Bill:
Pakistan currently has many mother tongues but only one national
language which is Urdu and one official language which is English.
In most nation states all major mother tongues are national
languages. A National Language Commission will be set up by
the PML(N) government to develop criteria for giving the status of
national language to all major languages.
5 - Census:
Just distribution and management of resources on the basis of
correct and updated census data will create harmony. PML(N) will
ensure that the census due since 2008 is carried out as early as
possible and in time to facilitate delimitation based on new census
data well before the next elections.
6 - Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
Trust and Reconciliation Commission will be established to discover
and reveal the truth about past wrong-doings, acknowledge
sufferings of victims and recommend, inter-alia, appropriate
compensation / reparation to the victims and their families.
7 - Inter-provincial Youth Programmes:
Exchanges between youth of different provinces and job
opportunities in public and private sector will be encouraged
through the IP internship programme and the IP volunteer
programme. Exchange of rural and urban youth will be undertaken
to create a better understanding of our diversity being our strength.
Culture and sports will be encouraged at an inter-provincial level.
8 - Development Monitoring:
Standardization of public sector services across all of Pakistan will
be undertaken so that the quality of life in each province is not
71
so disparate. A process of accountability of all major development
projects will be undertaken and all those found guilty of corruption
during the building of public service facilities will be dealt with
according to law.
9 – Federal Government Job Quotas:
These will be renewed for another 10 years based on backwardness
criteria and all provinces and territories to be adequately represented
in the Federal government. Fata and GB quotas will not be mixed.
Meaningful representation of all territories / provinces in the higher
cadre like federal secretaries, CEOs of SOEs, Ambassadors, Armed
Forces, and Civil Armed Forces will be ensured.
10 – Illegal Immigration and Border Control:
All illegal immigrations from other countries will be stopped and
NADRA data-basing of all citizens of Pakistan will be completed.
Government writ will be established in all areas and there will be
no “no-go-areas” which are beyond state radars.
11 – New Provinces:
A high powered Commission will be set up to evolve, through
consensus, the criteria and the modalities for the creation of
new provinces. PML(N) is committed to the creation of Hazara,
South Punjab and Bahawalpur Provinces.
12 – Media Strategy:
The National Media Strategy will encourage Inter-provincial
harmony through special programmes and regional media’s
outreach will be increased.
13-Balochistan
PML(N) fully recognizes the gravity of situation and commits itself
to win hearts and minds of the people of Balochistan through
meaningful political dialogue and comprehensive programme
to restore their political and economic rights. Such a programme
will be evolved in consultation with all the political parties and
stakeholders.
71
so disparate. A process of accountability of all major development
projects will be undertaken and all those found guilty of corruption
during the building of public service facilities will be dealt with
according to law.
9 – Federal Government Job Quotas:
These will be renewed for another 10 years based on backwardness
criteria and all provinces and territories to be adequately represented
in the Federal government. Fata and GB quotas will not be mixed.
Meaningful representation of all territories / provinces in the higher
cadre like federal secretaries, CEOs of SOEs, Ambassadors, Armed
Forces, and Civil Armed Forces will be ensured.
10 – Illegal Immigration and Border Control:
All illegal immigrations from other countries will be stopped and
NADRA data-basing of all citizens of Pakistan will be completed.
Government writ will be established in all areas and there will be
no “no-go-areas” which are beyond state radars.
11 – New Provinces:
A high powered Commission will be set up to evolve, through
consensus, the criteria and the modalities for the creation of
new provinces. PML(N) is committed to the creation of Hazara,
South Punjab and Bahawalpur Provinces.
12 – Media Strategy:
The National Media Strategy will encourage Inter-provincial
harmony through special programmes and regional media’s
outreach will be increased.
13-Balochistan
PML(N) fully recognizes the gravity of situation and commits itself
to win hearts and minds of the people of Balochistan through
meaningful political dialogue and comprehensive programme
to restore their political and economic rights. Such a programme
will be evolved in consultation with all the political parties and
stakeholders.
Speedy andInexpensiveJustice
Speedy andInexpensiveJustice
73
Speedy and Inexpensive Justice
To carry forward the pivotal role played by PML(N) in the restoration
of the superior judiciary in 2008-09, the PML(N) pledges to uphold the
independence of the judiciary as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Conscious of the mental and physical suffering of litigants whose cases
linger over generations without final decision and firmly believing in the
principle that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’, the PML(N) government
will take all necessary measures to ensure the dispensation of speedy
and inexpensive justice for the common man. This is not mere rhetoric.
The PML(N) will initiate action in this regard immediately on coming
into power so that benefits thereof accrue to the people as soon as
possible. The strategy will be two-pronged:
(1) reduce the huge pending backlog of cases at every level; and (2)
provide justice at the proverbial ‘doorstep’.
To accelerate disposal of cases, procedures will be greatly simplified. In
particular, legislation will be enacted to provide that:
(a) in civil cases, initial trial to be completed within one year, and
appellate proceedings within the following year; and
(b) in criminal cases, trial to be completed within six months and
appeal be decided within one year.
Such legislation will include provisions for day-to-day hearings and
award of heavy costs for unjustified delays and frivolous litigation.
The number of judges will be substantially increased. All vacancies will
be filled on priority basis. New posts will be created keeping in view
pendency of cases at different levels of the judicial hierarchy, the target
being to enable an average case to pass through each level within one
year. Judges (from the lawyer community) could be appointed on
contract basis for a suitable period to help reduce backlog. Necessary
support staff and infrastructure, including state-of-the-art equipment
73
Speedy and Inexpensive Justice
To carry forward the pivotal role played by PML(N) in the restoration
of the superior judiciary in 2008-09, the PML(N) pledges to uphold the
independence of the judiciary as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Conscious of the mental and physical suffering of litigants whose cases
linger over generations without final decision and firmly believing in the
principle that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’, the PML(N) government
will take all necessary measures to ensure the dispensation of speedy
and inexpensive justice for the common man. This is not mere rhetoric.
The PML(N) will initiate action in this regard immediately on coming
into power so that benefits thereof accrue to the people as soon as
possible. The strategy will be two-pronged:
(1) reduce the huge pending backlog of cases at every level; and (2)
provide justice at the proverbial ‘doorstep’.
To accelerate disposal of cases, procedures will be greatly simplified. In
particular, legislation will be enacted to provide that:
(a) in civil cases, initial trial to be completed within one year, and
appellate proceedings within the following year; and
(b) in criminal cases, trial to be completed within six months and
appeal be decided within one year.
Such legislation will include provisions for day-to-day hearings and
award of heavy costs for unjustified delays and frivolous litigation.
The number of judges will be substantially increased. All vacancies will
be filled on priority basis. New posts will be created keeping in view
pendency of cases at different levels of the judicial hierarchy, the target
being to enable an average case to pass through each level within one
year. Judges (from the lawyer community) could be appointed on
contract basis for a suitable period to help reduce backlog. Necessary
support staff and infrastructure, including state-of-the-art equipment
74
and technology, will be provided. In consultation with the judiciary,
arrangements will also be made for extended court hours / evening
courts, where feasible.
All judges and court officials will be required to undergo regular
training courses to acquaint them with up to date laws and modern
case flow management techniques, etc.
In order to dramatically shorten time spent in litigation, the PML(N)
government will request the Pakistan Law Commission to examine the
feasibility of reducing the existing 4-tiers system (trial court, appellate
court, High Court, Supreme Court) to 3-tiers (trial court, appellate/ High
Court, Supreme Court), as in the case of special laws, e.g. banking,
labour, and environmental laws. Under this radical reform, civil courts
would be abolished and trial would start at the Additional District
Judge level. This will not only reduce litigation time by several years,
but will also improve the quality of judgments at the trial level.
To reduce the volume of litigation, a major campaign to promote
Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) will be launched. This will include
development of a culture of dispute settlement through negotiation,
mediation, conciliation, arbitration or other ADR mode; creation
of public awareness as to the laws and procedures relating to ADR;
training and capacity-building of judicial officers and staff, and lawyers;
introduction of the subject of ADR in law colleges; and establishment
of ADR centers and panels to facilitate its adoption.
The role of the Ombudsman will be strengthened and enhanced,
to provide speedy relief in respect of public complaints regarding
maladministration. Office of District Ombudsman will be established
to provide relief at district level.
In order to bring justice to the doorstep, village panchayats / jirgas
(with clearly defined powers and jurisdiction, and qualifications
for membership) will be revived for deciding cases relating to
minor offences and civil cases involving minor disputes. Necessary
arrangements will be made, in consultation with the Judiciary, to set up
74
and technology, will be provided. In consultation with the judiciary,
arrangements will also be made for extended court hours / evening
courts, where feasible.
All judges and court officials will be required to undergo regular
training courses to acquaint them with up to date laws and modern
case flow management techniques, etc.
In order to dramatically shorten time spent in litigation, the PML(N)
government will request the Pakistan Law Commission to examine the
feasibility of reducing the existing 4-tiers system (trial court, appellate
court, High Court, Supreme Court) to 3-tiers (trial court, appellate/ High
Court, Supreme Court), as in the case of special laws, e.g. banking,
labour, and environmental laws. Under this radical reform, civil courts
would be abolished and trial would start at the Additional District
Judge level. This will not only reduce litigation time by several years,
but will also improve the quality of judgments at the trial level.
To reduce the volume of litigation, a major campaign to promote
Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) will be launched. This will include
development of a culture of dispute settlement through negotiation,
mediation, conciliation, arbitration or other ADR mode; creation
of public awareness as to the laws and procedures relating to ADR;
training and capacity-building of judicial officers and staff, and lawyers;
introduction of the subject of ADR in law colleges; and establishment
of ADR centers and panels to facilitate its adoption.
The role of the Ombudsman will be strengthened and enhanced,
to provide speedy relief in respect of public complaints regarding
maladministration. Office of District Ombudsman will be established
to provide relief at district level.
In order to bring justice to the doorstep, village panchayats / jirgas
(with clearly defined powers and jurisdiction, and qualifications
for membership) will be revived for deciding cases relating to
minor offences and civil cases involving minor disputes. Necessary
arrangements will be made, in consultation with the Judiciary, to set up
75
courts at the municipal / union council level. Feasibility of establishment
of High Court benches at divisional level will be discussed with the
Bench and Bar.
The Pakistan Code needs to be revised, updated and simplified so that
the common man can easily understand and utilize laws which can
cater to present-day requirements. For this purpose, the membership
of the Pakistan Law Commission will be strengthened with eminent
jurists, lawyers, government officers and members of civil society and
entrusted with the task of reviewing all existing laws on the statute
books and recommending, on a continuous monthly basis, over a
period of 6 months:
a) repeal of outdated laws which have become redundant;
b) amendments in laws in the light of new trends, requirements
and development; and
c) consolidation of all laws on the same subject.
Parliament will be requested to approve appropriate legislation in the
light of these recommendations, and a new, updated Pakistan Code
will be published and posted on the Law Ministry website. Prescribed
forms and procedures, etc. will be highlighted to facilitate public
access. Similar action will be taken in the Provinces.
The PML(N) government will endeavor to draft laws after consultation
with relevant stake-holders and, in order to ensure transparency
and develop a broad-based consensus facilitating enforcement,
will publicize the draft to invite public comments before finalization
and tabling of the Bill in Parliament. Record relating to the public
consultation will be submitted before the concerned Standing
Committee when the Bill is taken up for consideration.
75
courts at the municipal / union council level. Feasibility of establishment
of High Court benches at divisional level will be discussed with the
Bench and Bar.
The Pakistan Code needs to be revised, updated and simplified so that
the common man can easily understand and utilize laws which can
cater to present-day requirements. For this purpose, the membership
of the Pakistan Law Commission will be strengthened with eminent
jurists, lawyers, government officers and members of civil society and
entrusted with the task of reviewing all existing laws on the statute
books and recommending, on a continuous monthly basis, over a
period of 6 months:
a) repeal of outdated laws which have become redundant;
b) amendments in laws in the light of new trends, requirements
and development; and
c) consolidation of all laws on the same subject.
Parliament will be requested to approve appropriate legislation in the
light of these recommendations, and a new, updated Pakistan Code
will be published and posted on the Law Ministry website. Prescribed
forms and procedures, etc. will be highlighted to facilitate public
access. Similar action will be taken in the Provinces.
The PML(N) government will endeavor to draft laws after consultation
with relevant stake-holders and, in order to ensure transparency
and develop a broad-based consensus facilitating enforcement,
will publicize the draft to invite public comments before finalization
and tabling of the Bill in Parliament. Record relating to the public
consultation will be submitted before the concerned Standing
Committee when the Bill is taken up for consideration.
Corruptionand
Accountability 11 Corruptionand
Accountability 11
77
Corruption and Accountability
“May the curse of Allah be upon the briber, the bribe recipient, and
the mediator between them.” (Hadith)
Corruption has reached record heights in recent years. The PML(N)
Government will adopt a zero tolerance policy for corruption. It will
take every measure to ruthlessly stamp out corruption wherever
found. An autonomous National Accountability Commission which
is administratively, functionally and financially independent, with
comprehensive powers to carry out across-the-board accountability of
all holders of public offices in a fair, impartial and transparent manner
will be established.
All holders of public offices will be required to file statements of assets
and liabilities prior to assuming office and every year thereafter, which
will be made available to the public and the concerned authorities for
scrutiny.
In line with the rich traditions of Islam and successful experiments
in the developed countries, PML(N) will evolve a top-down, rule-
based and merit-driven approach, to achieve the objectives of good
governance, democratic rule and full protection of economic, social
and human rights.
The most effective way to stop corruption is by evolving a transparent
and open system for every government department and organization,
combined with a system of incentives for integrity and honesty. In this
context the following measures will be adopted:
.To reduce opportunities for corruption and also to ensure
decisions on merit, existing laws and rules will be amended to
withdraw all discretionary powers wherever possible / practical
and instead provide for exercise of powers in a fair, transparent
and equitable manner.
.Freedom of Information Act will be passed in consultation
77
Corruption and Accountability
“May the curse of Allah be upon the briber, the bribe recipient, and
the mediator between them.” (Hadith)
Corruption has reached record heights in recent years. The PML(N)
Government will adopt a zero tolerance policy for corruption. It will
take every measure to ruthlessly stamp out corruption wherever
found. An autonomous National Accountability Commission which
is administratively, functionally and financially independent, with
comprehensive powers to carry out across-the-board accountability of
all holders of public offices in a fair, impartial and transparent manner
will be established.
All holders of public offices will be required to file statements of assets
and liabilities prior to assuming office and every year thereafter, which
will be made available to the public and the concerned authorities for
scrutiny.
In line with the rich traditions of Islam and successful experiments
in the developed countries, PML(N) will evolve a top-down, rule-
based and merit-driven approach, to achieve the objectives of good
governance, democratic rule and full protection of economic, social
and human rights.
The most effective way to stop corruption is by evolving a transparent
and open system for every government department and organization,
combined with a system of incentives for integrity and honesty. In this
context the following measures will be adopted:
.To reduce opportunities for corruption and also to ensure
decisions on merit, existing laws and rules will be amended to
withdraw all discretionary powers wherever possible / practical
and instead provide for exercise of powers in a fair, transparent
and equitable manner.
.Freedom of Information Act will be passed in consultation
78
with media and other stakeholders to improve transparency in
government in accordance with Article 19A of the Constitution.
All curbs on freedom of the electronic and press media will be
removed. Media will be encouraged to adopt and enforce its
own Code of Conduct providing for strict adherence to high
professional and ethical standards.
.To promote a culture of accountability, integrity and transparency,
‘whistle-blower’ protection law (public interest disclosure) will
be enacted for providing safeguards to persons who expose
corruption, wrongdoing and other illegalities.
.Procurement Laws and Rules will be strengthened, requiring
all public sector organizations to publish all tenders and
related bidding documents online, post their development/
procurement budgets on their websites, along with details
of expenditure over one million rupees, enabling any person
to ‘follow the money’ all tenders and documents required to
participate in an auction will be made available online.
.In order to arrest and reverse rising trend of land-grabbing and
encroachments, and deter / punish ‘kabza mafia’, existing laws
will be strengthened and strictly enforced.
78
with media and other stakeholders to improve transparency in
government in accordance with Article 19A of the Constitution.
All curbs on freedom of the electronic and press media will be
removed. Media will be encouraged to adopt and enforce its
own Code of Conduct providing for strict adherence to high
professional and ethical standards.
.To promote a culture of accountability, integrity and transparency,
‘whistle-blower’ protection law (public interest disclosure) will
be enacted for providing safeguards to persons who expose
corruption, wrongdoing and other illegalities.
.Procurement Laws and Rules will be strengthened, requiring
all public sector organizations to publish all tenders and
related bidding documents online, post their development/
procurement budgets on their websites, along with details
of expenditure over one million rupees, enabling any person
to ‘follow the money’ all tenders and documents required to
participate in an auction will be made available online.
.In order to arrest and reverse rising trend of land-grabbing and
encroachments, and deter / punish ‘kabza mafia’, existing laws
will be strengthened and strictly enforced.
ForeignPolicy andNational
Security
12 ForeignPolicy andNational
Security
12
80
Foreign Policy and National Security
A coherent, well-formulated and popularly supported foreign policy is
essential, especially in this age of globalization, when new and daunting
challenges have emerged. Foreign policy cannot be seen in isolation,
for it is only a reflection of a country’s domestic policy. The two are
linked inextricably, as foreign policy cannot be effective and credible,
unless backed by a domestic policy that promotes harmony and good
governance at home.
Pakistan today is at war within, while isolated abroad. Its independence
and sovereignty stand compromised; its economic weaknesses are forcing
us to go begging bowl in hand, while foreign states undertake unilateral
strikes on its territory and non-state actors use it as a sanctuary to pursue
their own agendas, oblivious to Pakistan’s national interests.
Consequently, a deep malaise afflicts the country; its social, economic
and political schisms creating grave doubts and misgivings even in the
minds of our friends. The reasons are many and complex, but primarily it
is our failure to build a democratic, progressive, tolerant Islamic state, as
envisioned by Allama Iqbal and the Quaid-e-Azam.
This is all the more unfortunate as Pakistan is located at an important
junction of South Asia, West Asia, and Central Asia. The country could be a
bridge between energy rich Central Asia and Iran on one side and energy
deficit countries like China and India on the other. Pakistan’s coastal belt
facilitates access to warm waters and oil rich Gulf, as well as international
oil supply lines passing through the Strait of Harmuz. Pakistan can also
develop a flourishing transit economy because it provides the shortest
land routes from Western China to the Arabian Sea, through the Gwadar
Port, while linking India with Afghanistan and CAR and providing land
route from Iran to India and access to the Central Asian Republics to the
Arabian Sea and India for oil/gas pipelines.
To take advantage of these assets and opportunities, the PML(N) is
committed to a thorough and comprehensive review of our national
security and foreign policy, to bring it in consonance with the hopes and
80
Foreign Policy and National Security
A coherent, well-formulated and popularly supported foreign policy is
essential, especially in this age of globalization, when new and daunting
challenges have emerged. Foreign policy cannot be seen in isolation,
for it is only a reflection of a country’s domestic policy. The two are
linked inextricably, as foreign policy cannot be effective and credible,
unless backed by a domestic policy that promotes harmony and good
governance at home.
Pakistan today is at war within, while isolated abroad. Its independence
and sovereignty stand compromised; its economic weaknesses are forcing
us to go begging bowl in hand, while foreign states undertake unilateral
strikes on its territory and non-state actors use it as a sanctuary to pursue
their own agendas, oblivious to Pakistan’s national interests.
Consequently, a deep malaise afflicts the country; its social, economic
and political schisms creating grave doubts and misgivings even in the
minds of our friends. The reasons are many and complex, but primarily it
is our failure to build a democratic, progressive, tolerant Islamic state, as
envisioned by Allama Iqbal and the Quaid-e-Azam.
This is all the more unfortunate as Pakistan is located at an important
junction of South Asia, West Asia, and Central Asia. The country could be a
bridge between energy rich Central Asia and Iran on one side and energy
deficit countries like China and India on the other. Pakistan’s coastal belt
facilitates access to warm waters and oil rich Gulf, as well as international
oil supply lines passing through the Strait of Harmuz. Pakistan can also
develop a flourishing transit economy because it provides the shortest
land routes from Western China to the Arabian Sea, through the Gwadar
Port, while linking India with Afghanistan and CAR and providing land
route from Iran to India and access to the Central Asian Republics to the
Arabian Sea and India for oil/gas pipelines.
To take advantage of these assets and opportunities, the PML(N) is
committed to a thorough and comprehensive review of our national
security and foreign policy, to bring it in consonance with the hopes and
81
aspirations of the people. To this end, PMIL(N) will undertake the following
initiatives and measures:
i) In consonance with the Quaid-e-Azam’s belief in good relations
with all countries, the PML(N) will make concerted efforts to
enhance and strengthen Pakistan’s relations with its proven and
time-tested friends, to make them truly strategic. At the same time,
it will pursue a policy of normalization with countries with which
we have differences, so as to seek their resolution by means of
peaceful negotiations, with the objective of establishing cordial
and cooperative ties with all countries, especially those that are
our neighbors.
ii) To protect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,
Pakistan will strengthen and enhance friendly relations and deep
rooted economic ties with all countries of the world, as well as
with important international economic blocks, such as the EU,
ECO, SAARC, ASEAN and SCO.
iii) It will accord the highest priority to strengthening the nation’s
defenses. For this purpose, the needs and requirements of our
Armed Forces would be met, under all circumstances.
iv) Pakistan’s strategic assets, acquired with the nation’ s blood and
sweat and in the face of grave international threats and pressures,
would be protected and improved to ensure strategic parity in
the region.
v) It would be ensured that the formulation and determination of
the nation’s foreign policy remains the sole preserve of its elected
representatives, while the implementation and execution shall
be assigned to relevant departments and agencies by the Federal
Cabinet.
vi) For purposes of regular and systematic coordination and
consideration of all matters related to national security, a Cabinet
Committee on Defense and National Security, to be headed by
the Prime Minister and assisted by a Permanent Secretariat, will
81
aspirations of the people. To this end, PMIL(N) will undertake the following
initiatives and measures:
i) In consonance with the Quaid-e-Azam’s belief in good relations
with all countries, the PML(N) will make concerted efforts to
enhance and strengthen Pakistan’s relations with its proven and
time-tested friends, to make them truly strategic. At the same time,
it will pursue a policy of normalization with countries with which
we have differences, so as to seek their resolution by means of
peaceful negotiations, with the objective of establishing cordial
and cooperative ties with all countries, especially those that are
our neighbors.
ii) To protect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,
Pakistan will strengthen and enhance friendly relations and deep
rooted economic ties with all countries of the world, as well as
with important international economic blocks, such as the EU,
ECO, SAARC, ASEAN and SCO.
iii) It will accord the highest priority to strengthening the nation’s
defenses. For this purpose, the needs and requirements of our
Armed Forces would be met, under all circumstances.
iv) Pakistan’s strategic assets, acquired with the nation’ s blood and
sweat and in the face of grave international threats and pressures,
would be protected and improved to ensure strategic parity in
the region.
v) It would be ensured that the formulation and determination of
the nation’s foreign policy remains the sole preserve of its elected
representatives, while the implementation and execution shall
be assigned to relevant departments and agencies by the Federal
Cabinet.
vi) For purposes of regular and systematic coordination and
consideration of all matters related to national security, a Cabinet
Committee on Defense and National Security, to be headed by
the Prime Minister and assisted by a Permanent Secretariat, will
82
be established to maintain democratic oversight of all aspects of
foreign, defense and national security policies.
vii) The PML(N) will ensure that all institutions, whether civil or military,
including those dealing with security and/or intelligence matters,
act in accordance with the law, and under the instructions and
directives of the Federal Cabinet.
viii) Special efforts will be made to resolve the issue of Jammu and
Kashmir, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant UN
resolutions and the 1999 Lahore Accord and in consonance with
the aspirations of the people of the territory for their inherent
right of self-determination.
ix) The issue of “water management” in the context of relations
with neighboring countries and the proper utilization of river
resources by the countries through which these rivers flow, will
be accorded the urgency and importance that it deserves.
x) Our role and performance in the United Nations and other
international organizations would be improved and enhanced,
in recognition of the importance we attach to multilateral
diplomacy.
xi) Since political ties can become durable, sustainable and mutually
beneficial only when reinforced by economic and commercial
linkages, the PML(N) will accord special importance to the
promotion of external trade and encouragement of foreign
investment. To this end, an institutional relationship will be
created to ensure close coordination among the Ministries of
Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Economic Affairs.
xii) In recognition of foreign policy’s key role in ensuring the
sovereignty of the state and the well-being of its people, it shall
be the PML(N)’s endeavor to build a cadre of highly competent,
dedicated, well-trained professionals to man the Foreign Ministry
and our Diplomatic Missions. A special reform effort will be made
to enhance the effectiveness of our diplomatic missions and
82
be established to maintain democratic oversight of all aspects of
foreign, defense and national security policies.
vii) The PML(N) will ensure that all institutions, whether civil or military,
including those dealing with security and/or intelligence matters,
act in accordance with the law, and under the instructions and
directives of the Federal Cabinet.
viii) Special efforts will be made to resolve the issue of Jammu and
Kashmir, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant UN
resolutions and the 1999 Lahore Accord and in consonance with
the aspirations of the people of the territory for their inherent
right of self-determination.
ix) The issue of “water management” in the context of relations
with neighboring countries and the proper utilization of river
resources by the countries through which these rivers flow, will
be accorded the urgency and importance that it deserves.
x) Our role and performance in the United Nations and other
international organizations would be improved and enhanced,
in recognition of the importance we attach to multilateral
diplomacy.
xi) Since political ties can become durable, sustainable and mutually
beneficial only when reinforced by economic and commercial
linkages, the PML(N) will accord special importance to the
promotion of external trade and encouragement of foreign
investment. To this end, an institutional relationship will be
created to ensure close coordination among the Ministries of
Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Economic Affairs.
xii) In recognition of foreign policy’s key role in ensuring the
sovereignty of the state and the well-being of its people, it shall
be the PML(N)’s endeavor to build a cadre of highly competent,
dedicated, well-trained professionals to man the Foreign Ministry
and our Diplomatic Missions. A special reform effort will be made
to enhance the effectiveness of our diplomatic missions and
83
re-orient it to words promotion of economic, commercial and
investment policies.
xiii) The PML(N) will make full use of the country’s think tanks, which
will be strengthened and improved, while instituting regular
consultations with elected representatives, defense analysts,
media personalities and retired diplomats, to take advantage of
their experiences and understanding of national security issues.
83
re-orient it to words promotion of economic, commercial and
investment policies.
xiii) The PML(N) will make full use of the country’s think tanks, which
will be strengthened and improved, while instituting regular
consultations with elected representatives, defense analysts,
media personalities and retired diplomats, to take advantage of
their experiences and understanding of national security issues.
Militancyand
Terrorism 13 Militancyand
Terrorism 13
85
Militancy and Terrorism
“Whoever kills another one without justifiable cause, surely he is killing
all of humanity. And whoever saves the life of another one, surely he
saves the lives of all of humanity.” (Sura Al Ma’aidah: Ayah 32)
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 and the consequent
use of Islam to galvanize Muslims the world over to oppose foreign
occupation of that country, followed by long years of civil war and unrest
there, have all had a deep impact on Pakistan’s polity and society. In fact,
no other country has suffered more and sustained greater losses than
Pakistan, because of the events in Afghanistan.
However, until September 11, 2001 and the US military invasion of
Afghanistan, the phenomenon of Talibanization and militancy had been
largely confined to that war-ravaged country. In subsequent years,
the intense outrage with U.S. policies in Afghanistan, coupled with
an unrepresentative, authoritarian rule in Pakistan resulted in political
servitude, economic deprivation, neglect of the tribal areas and finally,
jihadi rhetoric that served to encourage and embolden the militants in
Pakistan.
The PML(N) is convinced that militancy and terrorism have no place in
Pakistan; neither the laws of the country nor the religious beliefs or the
cultural traditions of its citizens sanction use of violence against fellow
humans. The Party therefore, declares unequivocally that it rejects
militancy and extremism, while condemning terrorism, in all its forms and
manifestations. There is no justification for acts of violence, irrespective
of any pretext or provocation. Long years of authoritarian rule which
repressed the opposition distorted political activity and denied civil rights
to the people, generated widespread anger and frustration, which may
have encouraged some to opt for violence.
Nevertheless, neither militancy nor terrorism can be countered by mere
use of force. This is a problem that has penetrated deep into the vitals
of society and therefore needs a well-thought out, comprehensive
and sustainable plan of action that should include economic, social,
administrative and political initiatives and measures to root out this
85
Militancy and Terrorism
“Whoever kills another one without justifiable cause, surely he is killing
all of humanity. And whoever saves the life of another one, surely he
saves the lives of all of humanity.” (Sura Al Ma’aidah: Ayah 32)
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 and the consequent
use of Islam to galvanize Muslims the world over to oppose foreign
occupation of that country, followed by long years of civil war and unrest
there, have all had a deep impact on Pakistan’s polity and society. In fact,
no other country has suffered more and sustained greater losses than
Pakistan, because of the events in Afghanistan.
However, until September 11, 2001 and the US military invasion of
Afghanistan, the phenomenon of Talibanization and militancy had been
largely confined to that war-ravaged country. In subsequent years,
the intense outrage with U.S. policies in Afghanistan, coupled with
an unrepresentative, authoritarian rule in Pakistan resulted in political
servitude, economic deprivation, neglect of the tribal areas and finally,
jihadi rhetoric that served to encourage and embolden the militants in
Pakistan.
The PML(N) is convinced that militancy and terrorism have no place in
Pakistan; neither the laws of the country nor the religious beliefs or the
cultural traditions of its citizens sanction use of violence against fellow
humans. The Party therefore, declares unequivocally that it rejects
militancy and extremism, while condemning terrorism, in all its forms and
manifestations. There is no justification for acts of violence, irrespective
of any pretext or provocation. Long years of authoritarian rule which
repressed the opposition distorted political activity and denied civil rights
to the people, generated widespread anger and frustration, which may
have encouraged some to opt for violence.
Nevertheless, neither militancy nor terrorism can be countered by mere
use of force. This is a problem that has penetrated deep into the vitals
of society and therefore needs a well-thought out, comprehensive
and sustainable plan of action that should include economic, social,
administrative and political initiatives and measures to root out this
86
menace. Some of the steps envisaged by PML(N) are:
i) Integration of the Federally and Provincially Administered Tribal
Areas into the country’s political mainstream, by extending to its
people the political rights enjoyed by the citizens of Pakistan.
ii) Establishment of schools and technical centers to create a pool of
skilled manpower, not only for local enterprises, but for manpower
export to friendly countries.
iii) Extending free health benefits to the disadvantaged classes, by
providing mobile health units in these areas.
iv) A crash program to establish small and medium size industrial
enterprises in the Tribal Areas that could provide gainful employment
to the youth, making them stake-holders in peace and security of
these areas.
v) Extending special facilities for technical education to the female
population of the area, so as to empower them economically and
socially.
vi) Undertaking massive public education campaigns to create an
alternate narrative to sustain efforts against terrorism and bring
home the message that Islam is a religion of peace and that there is
no moral or religious sanction for violence or extremism.
vii) Undertaking education reforms that will aim at eliminating different
systems of education in the country, while ensuring that the
Madrassahs too, follow the same syllabi as the government schools.
Simultaneously there is an urgent need to amend anti-terrorism laws
and related legislation to provide for appropriate standards of evidence,
efficient prosecution and protection of judges and witnesses. It is equally
important to overhaul and modernize the security sector in order to
establish democratic and parliamentary oversight on intelligence services
and to achieve better surveillance, improved coordination among
intelligence agencies and enhanced capacity for counter insurgency
forces at different levels.
86
menace. Some of the steps envisaged by PML(N) are:
i) Integration of the Federally and Provincially Administered Tribal
Areas into the country’s political mainstream, by extending to its
people the political rights enjoyed by the citizens of Pakistan.
ii) Establishment of schools and technical centers to create a pool of
skilled manpower, not only for local enterprises, but for manpower
export to friendly countries.
iii) Extending free health benefits to the disadvantaged classes, by
providing mobile health units in these areas.
iv) A crash program to establish small and medium size industrial
enterprises in the Tribal Areas that could provide gainful employment
to the youth, making them stake-holders in peace and security of
these areas.
v) Extending special facilities for technical education to the female
population of the area, so as to empower them economically and
socially.
vi) Undertaking massive public education campaigns to create an
alternate narrative to sustain efforts against terrorism and bring
home the message that Islam is a religion of peace and that there is
no moral or religious sanction for violence or extremism.
vii) Undertaking education reforms that will aim at eliminating different
systems of education in the country, while ensuring that the
Madrassahs too, follow the same syllabi as the government schools.
Simultaneously there is an urgent need to amend anti-terrorism laws
and related legislation to provide for appropriate standards of evidence,
efficient prosecution and protection of judges and witnesses. It is equally
important to overhaul and modernize the security sector in order to
establish democratic and parliamentary oversight on intelligence services
and to achieve better surveillance, improved coordination among
intelligence agencies and enhanced capacity for counter insurgency
forces at different levels.
Implementationon Constitution
Implementationon Constitution
88
Implementation on Manifesto
PML(N) has already demonstrated, during both its earlier tenures, its
commitment and ability to implement the policies and the programmes
promised in its election manifestos.
An essential pre-requisite for such a noble compact between a political
party and its voters is the realism and practical feasibility of the policies
and programmes included in Party’s Manifesto. This Manifesto fully meets
this criterion.
The second important dimension is detailed and timely home work for
an implementation road map. For this purpose PML(N) has already set
up Sub–Committees on different subsectors or issues consisting of all
the stakeholders to work out detailed implementation plans with cost
estimates and a realistic time frame. These arrangements will ensure that
by the time PML(N) receives the mandate of the people for the next five
years, these plans are ready for implementation.
In line with the practice followed in its previous two terms, PML(N) will
ensure submission of periodic reports to the cabinet on the implementation
of the Manifesto by a special cabinet sub-committee.
88
Implementation on Manifesto
PML(N) has already demonstrated, during both its earlier tenures, its
commitment and ability to implement the policies and the programmes
promised in its election manifestos.
An essential pre-requisite for such a noble compact between a political
party and its voters is the realism and practical feasibility of the policies
and programmes included in Party’s Manifesto. This Manifesto fully meets
this criterion.
The second important dimension is detailed and timely home work for
an implementation road map. For this purpose PML(N) has already set
up Sub–Committees on different subsectors or issues consisting of all
the stakeholders to work out detailed implementation plans with cost
estimates and a realistic time frame. These arrangements will ensure that
by the time PML(N) receives the mandate of the people for the next five
years, these plans are ready for implementation.
In line with the practice followed in its previous two terms, PML(N) will
ensure submission of periodic reports to the cabinet on the implementation
of the Manifesto by a special cabinet sub-committee.
Annexures 15Annexures 15
90
Annexures
A PML(N)’s Achievements in its First Tenure
(November 1990 – April 1993)
B PML(N)’s Achievements in its Second Tenure
(February 1997 – October 1999)
C PML(N)’s Struggle for Democracy
D PML(N)’s Achievements in Punjab (2008–2012)
E The Manifesto Committee
90
Annexures
A PML(N)’s Achievements in its First Tenure
(November 1990 – April 1993)
B PML(N)’s Achievements in its Second Tenure
(February 1997 – October 1999)
C PML(N)’s Struggle for Democracy
D PML(N)’s Achievements in Punjab (2008–2012)
E The Manifesto Committee
91
Annexure A
PML(N)’s Achievements in its First Tenure
(November 1990 – April 1993)
PMl(N)’s first tenure lasted for only two and a half years, from November
1990 to April, 1993, it will be remembered for its wide ranging reforms
and far reaching decisions as listed below:
.A major programme of deregulation was implemented to
abolish the import licensing system, remove restrictions on the
movement of foreign exchange and grant new incentives for
local and foreign investment in industries.
.The telecommunication sector was opened to private
investment which led to doubling of telephone connections
within two years, from 800,000 in 1991 to 1.7 million in 1993 (and
4 million by 1999), thus virtually eliminating the long waiting list
for telephone connections. The first fiber optic infrastructure for
telecommunication was also installed during this period.
.The Power Generation capacity was increased from 9,770 MW
in June 1990 to 10,600 MW in June 1993 with 1.5 million new
electricity connections. A major hydel power project i.e. Ghazi
Barotha with a capacity of 1,400 MW was also approved during
this period. An agreement was also signed with China for the
first 300 MW Chashma Nuclear Power Project.
.In the road infrastructure sub-sector, apart from dualizing
N-5 National Highway between Peshawar and Karachi, the
construction of first motorway in South Asia (M-2 from Lahore
to Islamabad) was started in 1992 and completed in November
1997.
.Intensive work was undertaken to set up a major port at Gwadar
on the Makran Coast along with a coastal road to connect
Gwadar to Karachi.
.After completing a modern airport at Karachi, the project to
construct the Allama Iqbal International Airport at Lahore was
also approved during this period.
91
Annexure A
PML(N)’s Achievements in its First Tenure
(November 1990 – April 1993)
PMl(N)’s first tenure lasted for only two and a half years, from November
1990 to April, 1993, it will be remembered for its wide ranging reforms
and far reaching decisions as listed below:
.A major programme of deregulation was implemented to
abolish the import licensing system, remove restrictions on the
movement of foreign exchange and grant new incentives for
local and foreign investment in industries.
.The telecommunication sector was opened to private
investment which led to doubling of telephone connections
within two years, from 800,000 in 1991 to 1.7 million in 1993 (and
4 million by 1999), thus virtually eliminating the long waiting list
for telephone connections. The first fiber optic infrastructure for
telecommunication was also installed during this period.
.The Power Generation capacity was increased from 9,770 MW
in June 1990 to 10,600 MW in June 1993 with 1.5 million new
electricity connections. A major hydel power project i.e. Ghazi
Barotha with a capacity of 1,400 MW was also approved during
this period. An agreement was also signed with China for the
first 300 MW Chashma Nuclear Power Project.
.In the road infrastructure sub-sector, apart from dualizing
N-5 National Highway between Peshawar and Karachi, the
construction of first motorway in South Asia (M-2 from Lahore
to Islamabad) was started in 1992 and completed in November
1997.
.Intensive work was undertaken to set up a major port at Gwadar
on the Makran Coast along with a coastal road to connect
Gwadar to Karachi.
.After completing a modern airport at Karachi, the project to
construct the Allama Iqbal International Airport at Lahore was
also approved during this period.
92
.To initiate reversal of the disastrous consequences of the
policy to nationalize the banking sector in 1974, two of the five
nationalized banks (MCB and ABL) were privatized in 1991. In
addition, major reforms were introduced to allow 10 new banks
and 20 investment companies in the private sector in 1992. At
that time, the Pakistani rupee was the strongest currency in
South Asia.
.The Water Accord of March 1991 not only resolved a 70-year
old dispute regarding the apportionment of the waters of the
Indus system but also opened the door for taking up many new
water development projects which had been held in abeyance
because of this dispute.
.The NFC Award 1991 was also the first award after 17 years,
announced by a democratically elected government on the
basis of inter-provincial consensus. Under this Award, the
payment of net hydel project to NWFP and other Provinces
was started for the first time to implement Article 161 of the
Constitution. Similarly, Baluchistan started receiving surcharge
levied on natural gas from 1991 onwards.
.The allocations for social sectors i.e. primary education, primary
health care, drinking water schemes and population welfare
programme were more than doubled under the Social Action
Programme launched in 1992.
.A major programme of distributing state land to the landless
haaris of Sindh was initiated in 1992.
As a result of these far-reaching reforms, Pakistan achieved the
highest ever growth rate of 7.7% in 1991-92, the stock market capital
quadrupled and the investment: GDP ratio crossed the 20% mark for
the first time. Over 200 new companies were listed on the Karachi
Stock Exchange during that period. The economy today would have
been much stronger if the government had been allowed to complete
its tenure and undertake the next phase of its reforms programme.
92
.To initiate reversal of the disastrous consequences of the
policy to nationalize the banking sector in 1974, two of the five
nationalized banks (MCB and ABL) were privatized in 1991. In
addition, major reforms were introduced to allow 10 new banks
and 20 investment companies in the private sector in 1992. At
that time, the Pakistani rupee was the strongest currency in
South Asia.
.The Water Accord of March 1991 not only resolved a 70-year
old dispute regarding the apportionment of the waters of the
Indus system but also opened the door for taking up many new
water development projects which had been held in abeyance
because of this dispute.
.The NFC Award 1991 was also the first award after 17 years,
announced by a democratically elected government on the
basis of inter-provincial consensus. Under this Award, the
payment of net hydel project to NWFP and other Provinces
was started for the first time to implement Article 161 of the
Constitution. Similarly, Baluchistan started receiving surcharge
levied on natural gas from 1991 onwards.
.The allocations for social sectors i.e. primary education, primary
health care, drinking water schemes and population welfare
programme were more than doubled under the Social Action
Programme launched in 1992.
.A major programme of distributing state land to the landless
haaris of Sindh was initiated in 1992.
As a result of these far-reaching reforms, Pakistan achieved the
highest ever growth rate of 7.7% in 1991-92, the stock market capital
quadrupled and the investment: GDP ratio crossed the 20% mark for
the first time. Over 200 new companies were listed on the Karachi
Stock Exchange during that period. The economy today would have
been much stronger if the government had been allowed to complete
its tenure and undertake the next phase of its reforms programme.
93
Annexure B
PML(N)’s Achievements in its Second Tenure
(February 1997 – October 1999)
In the second aborted tenure of the PML(N) Government, from
February 1997 to October 1999, the overall investment climate was
adversely affected by many external factors like the Asian Economic
Crisis of 1997 and the international sanctions imposed on Pakistan in
June 1998 after the nuclear tests. Nevertheless, the government boldly
took up the unfinished agenda of its earlier tenure, with many notable
achievements to its credit:
.In April 1997, a new incentive package was announced for the
agriculture sector to improve the terms of trade for the sector by
ensuring that the prices paid by the farmers for inputs were in line
with the prices they received for their crops. The support price of
wheat was raised by 40%, resulting in a bumper crop of 22 million
tons two years later, yielding an exportable surplus of 3 million tons.
.In May 1997, far-reaching capital market reforms were
announced to convert the outdated Corporate Law Authority
into a Security and Exchange Commission with new powers to
regulate the capital markets, oversee the modernization of the
stock exchanges and broaden the investor base.
.In June 1997, significant reforms were announced in banking
and financial sector to turn around sick public sector banks,
accelerate the process of financial liberalization, expand reliance
on market-based instruments and strengthen the autonomy of
the State Bank of Pakistan. In the next few weeks, five major laws
were passed or amended by Parliament to give effect to these
reforms. Leading Pakistani professionals were appointed as CEOs
in these banks, government directors were withdrawn from the
three remaining government-owned banks, which succeeded
in reducing the portfolio of stuck up loans by Rs. 28 billion and
also increased their profits.
.In 1998, Pakistan 2010 Program was launched to transform Pakistan’s
93
Annexure B
PML(N)’s Achievements in its Second Tenure
(February 1997 – October 1999)
In the second aborted tenure of the PML(N) Government, from
February 1997 to October 1999, the overall investment climate was
adversely affected by many external factors like the Asian Economic
Crisis of 1997 and the international sanctions imposed on Pakistan in
June 1998 after the nuclear tests. Nevertheless, the government boldly
took up the unfinished agenda of its earlier tenure, with many notable
achievements to its credit:
.In April 1997, a new incentive package was announced for the
agriculture sector to improve the terms of trade for the sector by
ensuring that the prices paid by the farmers for inputs were in line
with the prices they received for their crops. The support price of
wheat was raised by 40%, resulting in a bumper crop of 22 million
tons two years later, yielding an exportable surplus of 3 million tons.
.In May 1997, far-reaching capital market reforms were
announced to convert the outdated Corporate Law Authority
into a Security and Exchange Commission with new powers to
regulate the capital markets, oversee the modernization of the
stock exchanges and broaden the investor base.
.In June 1997, significant reforms were announced in banking
and financial sector to turn around sick public sector banks,
accelerate the process of financial liberalization, expand reliance
on market-based instruments and strengthen the autonomy of
the State Bank of Pakistan. In the next few weeks, five major laws
were passed or amended by Parliament to give effect to these
reforms. Leading Pakistani professionals were appointed as CEOs
in these banks, government directors were withdrawn from the
three remaining government-owned banks, which succeeded
in reducing the portfolio of stuck up loans by Rs. 28 billion and
also increased their profits.
.In 1998, Pakistan 2010 Program was launched to transform Pakistan’s
94
economy into a knowledge economy that is knowledge-led,
globally competitive, robust, just and enterprising.
.Pakistan’s first national IT policy was launched to transform
Pakistan into major information super power.
.The system of special import permits was abolished including
duty-free import of 3,000 CC vehicles for VIPs.
.Discretionary powers for allocation of textile quotas were
abolished, and a transparent system of public auction was
introduced resulting in a 450% of increase in revenues.
.The oppressive system of octroi and zila taxes was abolished
and local authorities were provided corresponding resources.
.The requirement of obtaining a license for keeping a radio was
also abolished.
.Loans of widows with no income or property were written-off in
a transparent manner.
.The Population Census which was due in 1991 was delayed
due to the controversy generated by the exaggerated figures
of housing census in October 1991. The PML(N) Government
took up the challenge and conducted a highly successful and
peaceful census in March 1998. The results were also a pleasant
surprise. The total population in 1998 was 132 million and not
140 million as projected, showing a much-needed slow-down
in the rate of population growth.
.One important byproduct of the census was NADRA, the
National Database and Registration Authority. The census form
had been redesigned to include 33 questions to provide a
national database. NADRA was set up in April 1998, to take over
and process all the data forms. The Authority has not only been
issuing Computerized ID Cards, but is also providing a wide
range of services to the government and the public.
The most outstanding achievement of the PML(N) Government, in
its second tenure was the historic decision to carry out nuclear tests
in May 1998, with far-reaching domestic, regional and international
consequences. Pakistan became the seventh nuclear nation of the
World and restored its strategic balance with India.
94
economy into a knowledge economy that is knowledge-led,
globally competitive, robust, just and enterprising.
.Pakistan’s first national IT policy was launched to transform
Pakistan into major information super power.
.The system of special import permits was abolished including
duty-free import of 3,000 CC vehicles for VIPs.
.Discretionary powers for allocation of textile quotas were
abolished, and a transparent system of public auction was
introduced resulting in a 450% of increase in revenues.
.The oppressive system of octroi and zila taxes was abolished
and local authorities were provided corresponding resources.
.The requirement of obtaining a license for keeping a radio was
also abolished.
.Loans of widows with no income or property were written-off in
a transparent manner.
.The Population Census which was due in 1991 was delayed
due to the controversy generated by the exaggerated figures
of housing census in October 1991. The PML(N) Government
took up the challenge and conducted a highly successful and
peaceful census in March 1998. The results were also a pleasant
surprise. The total population in 1998 was 132 million and not
140 million as projected, showing a much-needed slow-down
in the rate of population growth.
.One important byproduct of the census was NADRA, the
National Database and Registration Authority. The census form
had been redesigned to include 33 questions to provide a
national database. NADRA was set up in April 1998, to take over
and process all the data forms. The Authority has not only been
issuing Computerized ID Cards, but is also providing a wide
range of services to the government and the public.
The most outstanding achievement of the PML(N) Government, in
its second tenure was the historic decision to carry out nuclear tests
in May 1998, with far-reaching domestic, regional and international
consequences. Pakistan became the seventh nuclear nation of the
World and restored its strategic balance with India.
95
Annexure C
PML(N)’s Struggle for Democracy
Apart from assigning highest priority to socio-economic development
in order to improve the living standards of the common man and to
achieve greater self-reliance, PML(N) has also played an historic role in
strengthening democratic institutions and traditions:
.The defiant speech of Mr. Nawaz Sharif on 17 April 1993
transformed PML(N) into a vibrant anti establishment party
committed to democracy and the rule of law.
.The courageous role of PML(N) as the main opposition Party
from 1993 to 1996 boosted its popularity to such an extent that
the Party won nearly 70% of the seats in the National Assembly
in the February 1997 elections, while PPP’s seats went down
from 86 to 18, confined only to Sindh Province.
.The determination shown by the government in carrying
out nuclear tests, despite intense international pressures and
subsequent efforts to adjust the civil-military power equation
in favour of Parliament, led to its dismissal in October 1999.
The leadership did not yield on principles and accepted
imprisonment and prolonged exile.
.PML(N) leadership and workers courageously fought martial
law regime from 1999 to 2008 with thousands of workers jailed.
The principled democratic struggle culminated in ouster of
Gen. Musharraf from power and foiled conspiracy to grant him
indemnity for 3 November, 2007 emergency.
.The culmination of the struggle for strengthening the main pillar
of democracy i.e. the Judiciary, came on 16 March 2009, when
PML(N) lent its strength to the movement for the restoration
of judges deposed by General Pervez Musharraf in November
2007. The role played by the Judiciary since then, in checking
corruption and in protecting human rights and provincial rights
in the country, has been appreciable and gratifying.
95
Annexure C
PML(N)’s Struggle for Democracy
Apart from assigning highest priority to socio-economic development
in order to improve the living standards of the common man and to
achieve greater self-reliance, PML(N) has also played an historic role in
strengthening democratic institutions and traditions:
.The defiant speech of Mr. Nawaz Sharif on 17 April 1993
transformed PML(N) into a vibrant anti establishment party
committed to democracy and the rule of law.
.The courageous role of PML(N) as the main opposition Party
from 1993 to 1996 boosted its popularity to such an extent that
the Party won nearly 70% of the seats in the National Assembly
in the February 1997 elections, while PPP’s seats went down
from 86 to 18, confined only to Sindh Province.
.The determination shown by the government in carrying
out nuclear tests, despite intense international pressures and
subsequent efforts to adjust the civil-military power equation
in favour of Parliament, led to its dismissal in October 1999.
The leadership did not yield on principles and accepted
imprisonment and prolonged exile.
.PML(N) leadership and workers courageously fought martial
law regime from 1999 to 2008 with thousands of workers jailed.
The principled democratic struggle culminated in ouster of
Gen. Musharraf from power and foiled conspiracy to grant him
indemnity for 3 November, 2007 emergency.
.The culmination of the struggle for strengthening the main pillar
of democracy i.e. the Judiciary, came on 16 March 2009, when
PML(N) lent its strength to the movement for the restoration
of judges deposed by General Pervez Musharraf in November
2007. The role played by the Judiciary since then, in checking
corruption and in protecting human rights and provincial rights
in the country, has been appreciable and gratifying.
96
These reforms and policies undertaken or sponsored by PML(N)
constitute a major transformation in economic policies and political
structure of the country. This record also shows that contrary to the
common perception that political parties do not implement their
Manifestos, PML(N) in both its tenures substantially fulfilled the
promises it made to the people of Pakistan. PML(N) is determined to
complete this unfinished agenda for real change, under the mandate
granted to it by the electorate.
96
These reforms and policies undertaken or sponsored by PML(N)
constitute a major transformation in economic policies and political
structure of the country. This record also shows that contrary to the
common perception that political parties do not implement their
Manifestos, PML(N) in both its tenures substantially fulfilled the
promises it made to the people of Pakistan. PML(N) is determined to
complete this unfinished agenda for real change, under the mandate
granted to it by the electorate.
97
Annexure D
PML(N)’s Achievements in Punjab (2008–2012)
The PML(N) government assigned highest priority to socio-economic
development in Punjab to improve the living standards of the common
man with special focus on poverty alleviation, bringing the deprived
segments into the main stream and focusing on the less developed
areas of Punjab especially Southern Punjab. In addition ensuring good
governance has been a key priority of the Government. A summary of
the main achievements of the Punjab Government during the period
March 2008 to September 2012 is presented below:
.Education had been a key priority area. Schemes like Danish
Schools at six locations and distribution of 125,000 laptops to
top students are unique in nature as these as aimed at providing
equal opportunity to children from low income families. Other
activities include IT labs in 4,286 schools, initiation of Punjab
Educational Endowment Fund, recruitment of teachers through
competitive examinations on open merit. In Vocational &
Technical Education, the provincial capacity has more than
doubled in the last two years and now over 130,000 skilled
workers are getting jobs annually.
.Ashiyana Housing Scheme was introduced by the government
to provide opportunities for low income people to own their
house and pay the cost in easy installments.
.PML(N) government has taken up several projects to improve
transportation systems with enhanced commuting networks.
Schemes like Bus Rapid Transport System, Yellow Cab Scheme
will bring major relief to the people. Similarly, Lahore Kasur Road,
multiple flyovers in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur,
and completion of Multan Road and Circular Road has reduced
congestion on these roads.
.Provision of better medical facilities to the masses is another
priority of the Punjab Government. Many reforms have been
97
Annexure D
PML(N)’s Achievements in Punjab (2008–2012)
The PML(N) government assigned highest priority to socio-economic
development in Punjab to improve the living standards of the common
man with special focus on poverty alleviation, bringing the deprived
segments into the main stream and focusing on the less developed
areas of Punjab especially Southern Punjab. In addition ensuring good
governance has been a key priority of the Government. A summary of
the main achievements of the Punjab Government during the period
March 2008 to September 2012 is presented below:
.Education had been a key priority area. Schemes like Danish
Schools at six locations and distribution of 125,000 laptops to
top students are unique in nature as these as aimed at providing
equal opportunity to children from low income families. Other
activities include IT labs in 4,286 schools, initiation of Punjab
Educational Endowment Fund, recruitment of teachers through
competitive examinations on open merit. In Vocational &
Technical Education, the provincial capacity has more than
doubled in the last two years and now over 130,000 skilled
workers are getting jobs annually.
.Ashiyana Housing Scheme was introduced by the government
to provide opportunities for low income people to own their
house and pay the cost in easy installments.
.PML(N) government has taken up several projects to improve
transportation systems with enhanced commuting networks.
Schemes like Bus Rapid Transport System, Yellow Cab Scheme
will bring major relief to the people. Similarly, Lahore Kasur Road,
multiple flyovers in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur,
and completion of Multan Road and Circular Road has reduced
congestion on these roads.
.Provision of better medical facilities to the masses is another
priority of the Punjab Government. Many reforms have been
98
made in the health system for making it poor friendly. Besides
this comprehensive and practical measures have been taken
for up gradation of the existing infrastructure. Availability of
doctors along with modern medical equipment has been
ensured in these hospitals. Health budget has been increased
manifolds in the last 4 years. Mobile health units have been
launched in remote districts of Punjab to provide affordable and
timely healthcare facilities to the poor segment of the society.
Four new medical colleges are being set up in Sialkot, Sahiwal
and D.G.Khan. An increase of 482 seats in the existing medical
colleges has been achieved. Emergency measures to control
epidemic of Dengue have been taken to control the Dengue
fever.
.Punjab was worst hit by the floods in 2010. The PML(N)
government ensured that all the affected people are rehabilitated
in the shortest possible time. 22 Model Villages with all basic
facilities were constructed in the affected areas of Southern
Punjab and all possible help was offered by the government to
affected people. Also, Command and Communications Center
was set up in Punjab Disaster Management Authority for taking
rapid action during floods.
.The PML(N) government has announced comprehensive and
long-term reform package for the empowerment of women
in the social, economic and legal fields by providing them
their legitimate rights and including them in the process of
development and progress of the nation. Under the package,
the condition and transfer of land, among heirs in rural areas
has been waived to eliminate the possibilities of usurpation of
ancestral property of women, provision of Form-B has been
made mandatory, 33% quota for women has been fixed in
all government institutions, commercial loans for women
entrepreneurs worth Rs. 2 billion has been set up.
.Similarly, special economic zones and industrial estates have
been set up for the promotion of foreign and local investments.
CM Punjab has visited China, Iran and Turkey to promote foreign
98
made in the health system for making it poor friendly. Besides
this comprehensive and practical measures have been taken
for up gradation of the existing infrastructure. Availability of
doctors along with modern medical equipment has been
ensured in these hospitals. Health budget has been increased
manifolds in the last 4 years. Mobile health units have been
launched in remote districts of Punjab to provide affordable and
timely healthcare facilities to the poor segment of the society.
Four new medical colleges are being set up in Sialkot, Sahiwal
and D.G.Khan. An increase of 482 seats in the existing medical
colleges has been achieved. Emergency measures to control
epidemic of Dengue have been taken to control the Dengue
fever.
.Punjab was worst hit by the floods in 2010. The PML(N)
government ensured that all the affected people are rehabilitated
in the shortest possible time. 22 Model Villages with all basic
facilities were constructed in the affected areas of Southern
Punjab and all possible help was offered by the government to
affected people. Also, Command and Communications Center
was set up in Punjab Disaster Management Authority for taking
rapid action during floods.
.The PML(N) government has announced comprehensive and
long-term reform package for the empowerment of women
in the social, economic and legal fields by providing them
their legitimate rights and including them in the process of
development and progress of the nation. Under the package,
the condition and transfer of land, among heirs in rural areas
has been waived to eliminate the possibilities of usurpation of
ancestral property of women, provision of Form-B has been
made mandatory, 33% quota for women has been fixed in
all government institutions, commercial loans for women
entrepreneurs worth Rs. 2 billion has been set up.
.Similarly, special economic zones and industrial estates have
been set up for the promotion of foreign and local investments.
CM Punjab has visited China, Iran and Turkey to promote foreign
99
investment in Punjab. Various government sectors and private
sector investors have been persuaded to come and invest in
Punjab. A good example of these efforts is the setting up of
the Lahore Waste Management Company, the BRT system. The
present era is known as an era of diplomacy and investment.
Punjab Board of Investment and Trade has been set up in Punjab
to provide facilitation and promotion of foreign investments
in Punjab. Multiple industrial estates are being constructed in
Faisalabad, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Bhalwal, Vehari, and along
the Motorway to encourage industrialization in Punjab. This will
generate thousands of jobs for skilled and semi-skilled workers
in Punjab.
.A self-employment scheme for unemployed skilled youth of
Punjab has been launched in 2011 with an initial capital of Rs. 1
billion. Short term (2 years) interest-free loans of up to Rs.50,000
are being given to skilled workforce encouraging them to
become entrepreneurs. Additional funds are being provided to
this scheme to increase its reach to rural areas of Punjab.
.Lahore Meat Processing Complex has been setup as a joint
project of Punjab Agriculture Meat Company and Mashad Meat
Industrial Complex of Iran. This is a state-of-the-art slaughter
house and meat processing facility having capacity to handle
1,000 large and 10,000 small animals on a daily basis. Halal
meat will be provided to local and international markets from
this facility. In addition to this, Punjab Livestock and Dairy
Development Board has been set up to enhance the milk and
meat production of Punjab.
.Punjab Forensic Science Agency is the second largest and
modern agency in South Asia. This lab would go a long way
in providing assistance in scientific based investigations into
heinous crimes, besides providing provision of prompt justice,
detection and arrest of criminals and for the eradication of crime
from Punjab. Very soon a start of the art DNA Index system is
being added to this laboratory.
.Model bazaars were setup in all the districts of Punjab to provide
99
investment in Punjab. Various government sectors and private
sector investors have been persuaded to come and invest in
Punjab. A good example of these efforts is the setting up of
the Lahore Waste Management Company, the BRT system. The
present era is known as an era of diplomacy and investment.
Punjab Board of Investment and Trade has been set up in Punjab
to provide facilitation and promotion of foreign investments
in Punjab. Multiple industrial estates are being constructed in
Faisalabad, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Bhalwal, Vehari, and along
the Motorway to encourage industrialization in Punjab. This will
generate thousands of jobs for skilled and semi-skilled workers
in Punjab.
.A self-employment scheme for unemployed skilled youth of
Punjab has been launched in 2011 with an initial capital of Rs. 1
billion. Short term (2 years) interest-free loans of up to Rs.50,000
are being given to skilled workforce encouraging them to
become entrepreneurs. Additional funds are being provided to
this scheme to increase its reach to rural areas of Punjab.
.Lahore Meat Processing Complex has been setup as a joint
project of Punjab Agriculture Meat Company and Mashad Meat
Industrial Complex of Iran. This is a state-of-the-art slaughter
house and meat processing facility having capacity to handle
1,000 large and 10,000 small animals on a daily basis. Halal
meat will be provided to local and international markets from
this facility. In addition to this, Punjab Livestock and Dairy
Development Board has been set up to enhance the milk and
meat production of Punjab.
.Punjab Forensic Science Agency is the second largest and
modern agency in South Asia. This lab would go a long way
in providing assistance in scientific based investigations into
heinous crimes, besides providing provision of prompt justice,
detection and arrest of criminals and for the eradication of crime
from Punjab. Very soon a start of the art DNA Index system is
being added to this laboratory.
.Model bazaars were setup in all the districts of Punjab to provide
100
affordable shopping facilities to the low income families in
Punjab. So six bazaars are functional and remaining under
construction.
.Citizen Feedback Model, the first such effort in the world, has
been introduced in all districts in targeted services of revenue,
police and healthy departments to fight petty corruption,
increase citizen engagement and enhance monitoring of day to
day service delivery.
.Pakistan’s first 27 km Mass Transit Project (Metro Bus Service) was
successfully launched in Lahore, in a record period of 11 months
with a cost of Rs. 29.7 billion.
100
affordable shopping facilities to the low income families in
Punjab. So six bazaars are functional and remaining under
construction.
.Citizen Feedback Model, the first such effort in the world, has
been introduced in all districts in targeted services of revenue,
police and healthy departments to fight petty corruption,
increase citizen engagement and enhance monitoring of day to
day service delivery.
.Pakistan’s first 27 km Mass Transit Project (Metro Bus Service) was
successfully launched in Lahore, in a record period of 11 months
with a cost of Rs. 29.7 billion.
101
Annexure E
The Manifesto Committee
1. Mr. Sartaj Aziz (Former Finance Minister / Foreign Minister)
2. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar (Former Finance Minister /
Federal Minister of Commerce)
3. Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan, MNA (Former Chief
Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
4. Mr. Mamnoon Hussain (Former Governor Sindh)
5. Mr. Ahsan Iqbal (MNA, Former Dy. Chairman Planning
Commission)
6. Khawaja Muhammad Asif (MNA, Former Chairman
Privitisation Board)
7. Khawaja Saad Rafiq (MNA, Former Federal Minister Youth
Affairs)
8. Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (MNA, Former Minister
Commerce)
9. Mr. Zahid Hamid (MNA, Former Law Minister)
10. Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan (MNA)
11. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq (MNA)
12. Lt.Gen.(R) Abdul Qadir Baluch (MNA, Former Governor
Balochistan)
13. Mr. Baligh-ur-Rahman (MNA)
101
Annexure E
The Manifesto Committee
1. Mr. Sartaj Aziz (Former Finance Minister / Foreign Minister)
2. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar (Former Finance Minister /
Federal Minister of Commerce)
3. Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan, MNA (Former Chief
Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
4. Mr. Mamnoon Hussain (Former Governor Sindh)
5. Mr. Ahsan Iqbal (MNA, Former Dy. Chairman Planning
Commission)
6. Khawaja Muhammad Asif (MNA, Former Chairman
Privitisation Board)
7. Khawaja Saad Rafiq (MNA, Former Federal Minister Youth
Affairs)
8. Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (MNA, Former Minister
Commerce)
9. Mr. Zahid Hamid (MNA, Former Law Minister)
10. Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan (MNA)
11. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq (MNA)
12. Lt.Gen.(R) Abdul Qadir Baluch (MNA, Former Governor
Balochistan)
13. Mr. Baligh-ur-Rahman (MNA)
102
14. Pervaiz Rashid (Former Chairman PTV)
15. Ch. Mohammad Jaffar Iqbal (Former Dy. Speaker National
Assembly)
16. Lt. Gen. (R) Salahuddin Tirmizi
17. Nuzhat Aamir Sadiq (Senator)
18. Anusha Rahman Khan (MNA)
19. Dr. Raheela Magsi (MNA)
20. Mr. Tariq Fatemi (Former Secretary Foreign Affairs)
21. Mr. Arsala Khan Hoti
22. Mr. Faisal Ijaz Khan
23. Mr. Ismail Miftah (Industrialist and Energy Expert)
Co-opted Members
24. Mr. Humayun Akhtar Khan (Former Minister Commerce)
25. Tariq Azeem Khan (Former Minister of State for
Information & Broadcasting)
26. Razina Alam Khan (Senator)
27. Ms. Marvi Memon (Former MNA)
28. Gen.(R) Abdul Qayyum (Former Chairman POF Wah / Pakistan
Steel Mills)
29. Mr. Isphanyar M. Bhandara, Industrialist
102
14. Pervaiz Rashid (Former Chairman PTV)
15. Ch. Mohammad Jaffar Iqbal (Former Dy. Speaker National
Assembly)
16. Lt. Gen. (R) Salahuddin Tirmizi
17. Nuzhat Aamir Sadiq (Senator)
18. Anusha Rahman Khan (MNA)
19. Dr. Raheela Magsi (MNA)
20. Mr. Tariq Fatemi (Former Secretary Foreign Affairs)
21. Mr. Arsala Khan Hoti
22. Mr. Faisal Ijaz Khan
23. Mr. Ismail Miftah (Industrialist and Energy Expert)
Co-opted Members
24. Mr. Humayun Akhtar Khan (Former Minister Commerce)
25. Tariq Azeem Khan (Former Minister of State for
Information & Broadcasting)
26. Razina Alam Khan (Senator)
27. Ms. Marvi Memon (Former MNA)
28. Gen.(R) Abdul Qayyum (Former Chairman POF Wah / Pakistan
Steel Mills)
29. Mr. Isphanyar M. Bhandara, Industrialist
103
30. Mr. Umar Masoud Faruki
31. Mr. Mohammad Zubair (Economist)
32. Mr. Kamal Ahmad (IT Expert)
33. Mr. Siddiq-ul-Farooq (Member / Secretary, Former Chairman
House Building Finance Corporation)
103
30. Mr. Umar Masoud Faruki
31. Mr. Mohammad Zubair (Economist)
32. Mr. Kamal Ahmad (IT Expert)
33. Mr. Siddiq-ul-Farooq (Member / Secretary, Former Chairman
House Building Finance Corporation)
104
Notes
104
Notes
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