With less than two weeks remaining until the general elections on February 8, the political landscape in Pakistan has intensified, with major parties ramping up their election campaigns to garner support from the electorate.
In a recent press conference, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, unveiled its comprehensive manifesto for the upcoming 2024 general elections. Central to the party’s agenda is an ambitious plan to reform the education sector and prioritize skill-based education upon assuming power.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasized the PTI’s dedication to an autonomous foreign policy and the significance of cultivating relationships with other countries grounded in Pakistan’s interests. It was also announced that the government would take office with a four-year term instead of a five-year one, citing the argument that a five-year term is too long for efficient governance.
Furthermore, PTI had previously issued a list featuring all 22 candidates for the National Assembly from Karachi. Notably, Wali Muhammad Mugheri, Dr. Masroor Sial, and Khalid Mehmood Ali were named as candidates for NA-229 (Malir-I), NA-230 (Malir-II), and NA-231 (Malir-III) respectively. Similarly, candidates for other constituencies in Karachi were also announced.
It’s noteworthy that all PTI-nominated candidates will run as independents and under different symbols following a verdict by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, adding an intriguing dynamic to the electoral landscape.
At the same time, the run-up to the elections saw active campaigning as major political parties, including the Muslim League-N and the PPP, held massive rallies to garner voter support. However, PTI rallies were reportedly disrupted by the police, adding a layer of controversy to the pre-poll atmosphere.
Notably, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and ex-premier Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at a rally in Sialkot, pledged to address the issue of unemployment and injustices, vowing to support the youth and provide job opportunities. They also highlighted the surge in petrol prices and pledged to establish an IT city in Sialkot if elected.
Conversely, former president Asif Zardari emphasized the value of authentic political forces in addressing the nation’s problems while speaking at a rally in Hub, Balochistan. He bemoaned Balochistan’s lack of development initiatives and urged the people to adopt democracy rather than use violence.
Barrister Gohar Khan of the PTI presented the party’s election manifesto, “Shandaar Pakistan, Shandaar Mustaqbil aur Kharaab Maazi sey chutkara,” at a different rally. He listed the numerous social and constitutional changes that the PTI had suggested, such as the creation of a truth and reconciliation commission to address injustices and the nation’s emulation of ‘Riyasat-i-Madina”
Additionally, the manifesto focused on reforms in tax schemes, energy projects, health care and education, with a focus on inculcating values among the youth. Gohar stressed the need to fight corruption and ensure equal relations in foreign policy with all countries with the fundamental principle of non-interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. He also promised to increase scrutiny of corruption cases if PTI comes to power.
