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Manifesto - January 1988
Election Manifesto
Pakistan Peoples Party - 1988
INTRODUCTION
Our Aims
Part I
OUR PHILOSOPHY
1. Philosophy
2. Objectives
Part II
AUTONOMY, DEVELOPMENT DECENTRALIZATION
3. Devolution of Authority
4. Freedom of Conscience, Speech and Association
5. Local Self Government
6. Tribal Areas of NWFP and Punjab
7. Northern Areas
Part III
RIGHTS OF THE OPPRESSED
8. Labor
9. Rights of Women-Elimination of Discrimination
10. We care for our Children and Senior Citizens
11. Minorities are our Trust
Part IV
ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
12. Servants of the People
13. Jail Reforms
14. Multi - Dimensional Defense Policy
15. Elimination of Corruption
Part V
A NEW ORDER - ONWARDS TO 21ST CENTURY
16. Abolition of Poverty
17. Towards Prosperity
18. Modernization Strategy
19. Equality and Income Distribution
20. Customer Oriented Banking
21. Rapid Industrialization and Development of Mineral Resources
22. Fair Wage Policy
23. judicious Taxation System
24. Deregulation
25. Intensive Modernized Farming
26. End of Feudalism
27. Forest, Fisheries and Livestock
28. Small Farmers Strategy
29. Education for All
30. Leaders of Tomorrow
31. Art, Culture and Indus Tradition
32. Science and Technology - Need of the Hour
33. Energy - 40,000 Megawatt
34. Water
35. Safe Transport and Integrated Communication
36. A Healthy Nation
37. War Against Narcotics
38. Half A Million Houses Every Year
39. Tourism
40. Overseas Pakistanis are our Ambassadors
Part VI
POLITICAL CO-OPERATION AND END TO VENDETTA
41. Assassination, Revenge and the Political System
Part VII
OUR ROLE IN THE WORLD
42. Foreign Policy - Equality, Friendship and Peace
WE PLEDGE TO SERVE
PROLOGUE
WE BELIEVE IN FREEDOM, DIGNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. AND END TO
DISCRIMINATION, DOMINATION AND EXPLOITATION. AN END TO POVERTY, SLUMS,
ILLITERACY AND ILL HEALTH, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INJUSTICE. UNITING A
NATION BITTERLY DIVIDED BY ETHNIC AND SECTARIAN DIFFERENCE. CREATING AN
IDENTITY WHICH GIVES A SENSE OF PRIDE AND GLORY TO ALL CITIZENS
IRRESPECTIVE OF THE PROVINCE THEY BELONG TO.
Introduction
Countrymen. Pakistan is today facing a grave crisis striking at the very
roots of our Nationhood. A crisis that began with the illegal overthrow
of the elected government of the people, the assassination of the
popularity elected Prime Minister and savior of the nation who brought
back 90,000 Prisoners of Was with honor and saved Pakistan when an
earlier military dictatorship had divided it. The sole motto of the
authoritarian regime was: destroy the PPP which is the voice of the
people, the voice of the weak, the dispossessed, the discriminated.
In pursuit of this vendetta against the masses, those who courageously,
defiantly and with determination fought for freedom, for a law for just
society, free from hunger, poverty and disease were sent to the gallows,
killed in streets, villages and mosques, ladies carrying Quran Sharif
were not spared, the back of our youth was ripped apart with the
whiplash. The proud land of Pakistan was turned into a graveyard.
Torture chambers set up. Judiciary emasculated. Lawyers tear gassed.
Press muzzled. Parliament silenced. Political parties banned. Political
leaders imprisoned. Human Rights suspended.
And while the people were suppressed with state terror, opportunists and
power seekers looted the nation. Corruption reached unheard of level. A
new culture was born based on violence. As the state showed no respect
for law and rested on might, some began to believe power emanated not
from observing the law but making their was no security of life for the
ordinary citizens. Universities seats of knowledge or learning, became
sites of armed confrontation by a youth influenced by the brutality and
barbarism of the regime which ruled. Lawlessness was the order of the
day.
The intolerant attitude of the regime created a value system based on
intolerance. Each social group became more intolerant of another. Each
ethnic and sectarian group refused to come to terms with each other.
Political parties bring different social, economic, sectarian,
provincial and ethnic groups together on the basis of a common programme
common principles, common goals, ideals and vision. However, a "non
party" system was adopted which accentuated division of the lines of
race, sect, caste. As a result, brother was pitted against brother,
province was pitted against province, sect was pitted against sect and
ethnic group were pitted against ethnic group. The proud land of
Pakistan, which was created so that the Muslims of the sub continent
could live in honor and dignity was shamed with the sight of Muslims
killing Muslims. This is not our destiny. This will not be our destiny
under the banner of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
The nation was deliberately fragmented to contain dissent. An unholy
alliance was struck between the Zia regime and the secessionists to
battle the masses. But the masses are Pakistan. when you fight the
people, the country is weakened. When the people die, the Nation bleeds.
No country has succeeded where there has been a military dictatorship.
Be it the General’s Argentina, the Colonel’s Greece or our own Yahya and
Zia military dictatorships. When the people are strong, the Nation is
strong. Pakistan itself was created by a political leadership, a
political will which could not be deflected from the pursuit of its
goal.
Countrymen. In this hour of peril, the PPP is confident that the brave
sons and daughters of this land will come forward to save the Nation, to
strengthen it, to build it. We must do it. We can not sit silently by
while the Nation burns and bleeds. We are not like the British who, at
he end of the Empire, could return to England. This is our land. We come
from it and it comes from us. Each particle of its soil is sacred.
The people of Pakistan today face perhaps the greatest challenge in
their history. The body politic is lacerated by the wounds inflicted
during the last eleven years. General Zia’s domestic policies designed
purely to preserve himself in power have fragmented civil society along
ethnic, sectarian, racial and caste lines; A myopic foreign policy has
created an unnecessary threatto environment around us. Misconceived
economic policies have eroded our natural and human resource base, and
placed the financial system on the verge of bankruptcy.
So once again we stand on the precipice. Once again the anguish of a
whole generation waits to be articulated into a creative quest. Yet the
sacrifice and struggle, the lashings and the lonely defiance in a death
cell have not gone in vain. They have steeled our purpose. We shall heal
the wounds. We shall overcome.
We shall overcome with humility and peace. We shall overcome with love
and forgiveness. We shall overcome the indignity and hunger. We shall
overcome the humiliation of being shelterless, of being unemployed, of
being illiterate. We shall overcome the outrage of poverty in the midst
of plenty.
We believe that Pakistan is a viable state and it possesses requisites
to emerge as a strong and prosperous nation. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali
Jinnah voicing the aspirations of the Muslim masses on founding of
Pakistan enunciated the principles that the Pakistan is to be a modern
nation state. The working classes looked towards the new state with hope
for social justice, for freedom from all kinds of exploitation,
including the stranglehold of feudalism, and for opportunities in a new
socio-economic order, where the people would be the participants in the
affairs of their country.
The history of Pakistan is the history of the people’s undaunted
struggle against the pernicious exercise of power by the privileged
ruling elite. During the last 40 years the people have suffered three
ruthless Martial Laws and four wars in addition to the abrogation and
suspension of four Constitutions.
The crisis has deep roots. It is a crisis between the State and the
people. It has created a deep schism in the autocratic State structure.
Only a sensitive and democratic government can mobilize the will of the
people to correct the imbalances in our economic and political
structure.
Since the founding of the Pakistan Peoples Party is 1967, till today in
1988, the party has played the most vital historical role in the fight
for freedom of the masses.
Now when the nation is on the threshold of a new era and has the tryst
with the current historical events, we vividly recall the words of
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Shaheed.
"We, who believe in the people, must go back to the people. This being
so, under no circumstances can we contemplate being a part of any
development, which would be against the interest of the people."
We are confident that the courageous people of our land, will come
forward and strengthen the hands of the Pakistan Peoples Party in the
forthcoming elections scheduled for November 16, 1988. A victory for the
PPP is a victory for the people, for the Nation, for freedom, hope,
dignity, equality, justice. An end to poverty, bitterness, vengeance,
violence. Together we shall face the challenges. Together we shall climb
the highest mountain tops and build the broken bridges. Together we
shall herald the dawn of democracy and the promises of a new morrow.
Our Aims
1. To uphold the high ideals of Islam bases on the concept of
brotherhood, harmony, tolerance and egalitarianism;
2. To unite the Nation and give a sense of national pride based on
equity and justice;
3. To restore representative, constitutional and parliamentary rule
which safeguard provincial autonomy, ends the sense of discrimination
and strengthens the foundations of the State;
4. To ensure equal social status and safeguard human rights in all its
dimensions.
5. To strengthen democratic processes by a broad political consensus and
involve maximum participation of all groups and individuals to give
lasting stability to civilian rule.
6. To maximize utilization of our National potential and human
resources, by making the economy self reliant and prevent the erosion of
the human and natural resource base of Pakistan.
7. To establish and maintain peace and harmony in civil society and
ensure security and protection of life, honor and property of every
citizen irrespective of his political affiliation, religion, caste, race
and sex;
8. To eliminate poverty by the creation of a middle class created by
encouraging investment and transfer of technology;
9. To safeguard our frontiers by high alertness in defence capability
while simultaneously seeking regional peace and stability through
pursuing a rational foreign policy, while maintaining our commitments.
Part I
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The Pakistan Peoples Party reaffirms its abiding faith in the basic
principles expressed in its philosophy.
ISLAM IS OUR FAITH
DEMOCRACY IS OUR POLITY
SOCIALISM IS OUR ECONOMY
SHAHADAT FOR OUR CAUSE
All Power to the People
Chapter 1
Philosophy
1.1- Islam is our Faith
The motto of the Party expresses the nature of its ideology. The first
principle "Islam if our Faith" is all encompassing and serves as the
foundation of the ideological edifice of the Party. we believe that the
strong egalitarian spirit and characteristic of Islam is the dominant
reality of our history.
1.2- Democracy is our Polity
Thus when we affirm that "Democracy is our Polity" we mean that the
State shall exercise its powers and authority through the chosen
representatives of the people and that the principles of democracy,
freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice shall be fully observed
and where citizens shall be guaranteed fundamental rights, where the
independence of the judiciary and freedom of press in fully secured.
1.3- Socialism is our Economy
"Socialism is our Economy" is an affirmation of the great Islamic
egalitarian message, which is the essence of our historical ethos. The
Party believes that there should be an end to exploitation and equal
economic opportunities should be created. In the economic sphere we wish
to create harmony by bringing different economic groups together on the
basis of justice.
1.4- Shahadat for our Cause
"Shahadat for our Cause" is born out of the struggle for the rights of
the people relentlessly waged by the workers and cadres of the PPP.
martyrdom in the Just Cause in one of the fundamental principles of
Action n Islam. Man’s triumph in this world is not only the story of
material success but also of continuous struggle for attaining higher
levels of consciousness and self realization. Man has achieved dignity
by refusing to submit to the forces of oppression, by upholding the
principles of social justice and where necessary by laying down his life
for the Cause. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was one such man. His supreme
sacrifice has strengthened us for resolute struggle against the forces
of oppression, obscurantism and injustice.
1.5- All Power to the People
"All Power to the People" implies that whereas sovereignty over the
entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone and the authority thus
emanating is a sacred trust and that the people are its custodians, this
Authority is exercisable only through the people as a whole, through
their chosen representatives. Our programme envisages to make this
principle a pulsating reality and emphasizes that the people must become
the masters of their destiny.
Chapter 2
Objectives
The Party pledges to struggle for the objectives outline below:
2.1- To safeguard the political and territorial integrity of Pakistan
and strive for friendship with her neighbors.
2.2- To assert the supremacy of the will of the people as outlined in
the Constitution of 1973 of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
2.3- To strengthen the institutions of State.
2.4- to restore the majesty of laws and provide speedy and inexpensive
justice to the people.
2.5- To provide security to life and property and maintain effective law
and order.
2.6- To provide a suitable environment and necessary infrastructure for
rapid economic growth.
2.7- To spread the benefit of the economic growth to all, specially the
least privileged and depressed economic groups.
2.8- To acquire and assimilate modern technology and utilize it as a
vehicle for growth of the leading industrial and agricultural sectors.
2.9- To ensure economic justice by spreading the benefits of progress
and evolving an equitable taxation sector that is also development
oriented while not overburdening the honest tax payers.
2.10- to rapidly expand effective literacy levels from below 20 % to
over 90 5 within five years. Expand education, including vocational,
scientific and higher technical and university education to cater to the
needs of a modern developing State.
2.11- To provide for the health care of the entire population.
2.12- To induct and aid the private sector in the economic field as well
as in education and health.
2.13- To establish harmonious, equitable and productivity oriented
relationship between labor and management.
2.14- To eliminate waste and corruption public services.
2.15- To discourage and eliminate the parallel economy and strengthen
the real economy of Pakistan.
2.16- To eliminate drugs, narcotics and violence.
2.17- To evolve a truly Islamic egalitarian society which shall
inculcate amongst the people, pride in nationhood, by respecting all
citizens providing equal social status and safeguarding human rights in
all its dimensions.
2.18- To ensure that every citizen of Pakistan is provided a dignified
existence and is given food, clothing, shelter, education, health cover,
a safe and healthy environment and equality before the law in order to
build Pakistan into a modern nation State.
Part II
AUTONOMY, DEVOLUTION AND DECENTRALIZATION .
Chapter 3
Devolution of Authority
Man’s quest to be the Master of his environment is at once an expression
of his expanding consciousness and increasing ability to manage his
affairs. This aspiration for autonomy is a fundamental human desire,
which can neither be suppressed nor postponed.
We will adopt a new dynamic approach in the center province relations.
Tensions created by deprivation have accentuated during years of
military dictatorships pledged to strict unitary systems, resulting in a
sense of alienation. Conventional solutions prescribe transfer of powers
from the center to the provincial governments. We believe that the cure
for this tension lies in devolution of powers, where people have sense
of participation and self rule in all matters, including trade, finance
and employment. Instead of one province being pitted against another
province or against the center, we will get a resolution of divergent
viewpoints even within the province. We will adopt an effective system
of structural adjustment and achieve devolution of all facets of
authority to the people. This concept of devolution runs throughout our
manifesto as a recurrent theme. We will take the following measures:
3.1 Restore the 1973 Constitution.
3.2 Strengthen the constitutional framework of.
a) The Senate
b) The Council of Common Interest.
c) The National Finance Commission.
3.3 Revise the quantum of economic distribution between the provinces on
the basis of accepted norms, viz.:
a) Needs
b) Tax mobilization effort.
c) Population and
d) Rural-Urban ratios.
3.4 Abolish the concurrent legislative list.
3.5 Revise the Federal Legislative list.
3.6 Authorize provincial public service commission to recruit according
to pre-established shares and quotas of all appointments to the Federal
Government and autonomous bodies. The Federal public service commission
will continue recruitments for the Federal Territory and FATA.
3.7 Devolve maximum authority of government to the smallest functional
unit. Whatever can be done in tehsil must not be handled at the
district. Involve local bodies actively on a day to day basis with the
rural development programs and with the community development in the
urban areas.
3.8 Improve the total system of running government, streamline and
decentralize it, to serve the needs of the people efficiently,
effectively and with speed. Give people the power to decide issues
relating to their own social welfare. Institute a proper system of
checks and balance. Reward merit and make them fully accountable. Reform
the system to obtain maximum direct participation of citizens in all
local government bodies.
3.9 Fund the local government by delegating the provincial governments
to collect taxes.
3.10 Take decentralization to its logical conclusion and blend it with
the overall uplift of socio-economic conditions and expansion of social
and political consciousness. The Party is beholden to this ideal and
will work to translate it into a practical, dynamic and realizes
program.
We believe that only when political and social authority is transferred
to the people, provincial autonomy will bear fruit, people will gain
confidence and the Federation shall be strengthened.
Chapter 4
Freedom of Conscience, Speech and Association
Democratic polity is rooted in freedom of the individual. Our protracted
struggle must be a culmination of their achievement.
4.1 The Press in Pakistan will be free and all legislation and rules
violative of Press freedom shall be abolished. Similarly, television and
radio will be given autonomy to cater to the needs of the people. It
will be the endeavor of the Party that the media is transformed into an
informative, entertaining, objective, truthful and trustworthy means of
communication with the people.
4.2 Fundamental rights of freedom of speech and association will be
jealously and zealously safeguarded.
4.3 We will abolish the National Press Trust. Newsprint quotas and
advertisements will be equitable distributed regionally, linguistically
and according to periodicity and readership. The Associated Press of
Pakistan will be freed from government control. The practice of Press
advice will be abolished. All banned newspapers and periodicals shall be
restored.
4.4 The Party will advance and protect the rights of the working
journalists by improving their work and wage regulations to give them
secure and honorable service conditions., we will secure speedy
implementation of Wage Awards.
4.5 A second TV channel in every province in the regional languages will
be started to eradicate illiteracy give health education, programs in
popular form and create awareness of the rights available to the common
man under law. Guide farmers on weather conditions, availability of
water and cropping practices. Time will be leased out to private sector
for entertainment programs.
4.6 We will ensue safe return of all political exiles and release of
detenues, restoration of their property and jobs.
4.7 all banned newspapers and periodicals shall be restored.
4.8 We shall honorably rehabilitate and adequately compensate all those
who have suffered for the struggle for restoration of democracy or have
gone to gallows while defying authoritarian rule and martyrs who have
immolated themselves in this struggle. We will build monuments for
Martyrs of Democracy and eternal flames will be lit where martyrs
immolated themselves so as to demonstrate the nation’s conscience and
historic struggle against the forces of oppression. 120 Sq. yards plot
will be given to those who received lashes in the struggle. We will give
grants to all those who have served more that one year rigorous
imprisonment for political reasons. The families of Martyrs of Democracy
will be considered for State aid until their children get complete
education.
4.9 Pakistan will sign the International Bill on Human Rights including
the optional covenants. We will actively associate with human rights
organizations. We will seek to create an Asian Human Right’s Court on
the pattern of European Court of Justice.
Chapter 5
Local Self Government
Most of the development programs will be executed through the local
government system and the involvement of local government in rural and
urban uplift schemes will be greatly enhanced.
5.1 The functions of district management will be increasingly
transferred to local bodies.
5.2 The departments of education and health will be decentralized at
district and tehsil levels, with directly elected district education and
health officers.
5.3 Local self government services in each province will be
strengthened.
5.4 Some of the other functions of local self government such as
sanitation drainage, parks roads, water supply shall be administratively
and horizontally integrated.
Chapter 6
Tribal Areas of NWFP and Punjab
We will take urgent measures to improve the lot of the people living in
the tribal areas of NWFP and Punjab. Facilities available in the rest of
the country will be extended to these tribal areas through crash
programs.
6.1 We will ensure that adult franchise in extended to the tribal areas
the representation accorded in the NWFP provincial assemblies and extend
judicial review by superior courts, in cases pertaining to FCR, FATA
regulations and other special laws as applicable in various tribal
areas.
6.2 Special development programs under semi-autonomous development
bodies will be planned and undertaken so that the benefits of
development are extended to the long neglected tribal areas people and
maximum job opportunities are available.
6.3 Massive reconstruction and rehabilitation program will be launched
for those areas of NWFP / Baluchistan / Tribal Areas which have been
affected due to disturbed conditions and influx of Afghan refugees.
Chapter 7
Northern Areas
The Northern Areas are another part of our country that have been
neglected for too long. The demands of the people of Northern Areas will
be solved in accordance with their aspirations.
Part III
RIGHTS OF THE OPPRESSED
Chapter 8
2Labour
The Party believes that the role of the government is to protect the
people against exploitation and oppression. To improve the economic lot
of the workers and peasants.
8.1 We will abolish all kinds of pernicious systems of exploitation of
workers such as bonded labor contract labor shall be abolished.
8.2 The present minimum wage is too low causing great hardship and is
not conducive to increase production and productivity. Minimum wage will
be increased and protected against inflation.
8.3 Private sector will be allowed tax relief for providing permanent
shelters to their worker.
8.4 All employees dismissed or victimized for political reasons under
various Martial Law regulation will be re-employed, including those
dismissed under MLR 52.
8.5 Workers Equity Participation Fund will be established as a Trust.
The corpus of the fund and further contribution there to from the
industrial organization will be invested in the shares of listed and non
listed industrial enterprises so as to enable the workers to participate
in the management. The profit earned by this Trust will the used for:
a) The grants to the widows of the deceased workers to set them up to
provide them with stable source of income;
b) To provide interest free housing loans to the workers;
c) Interest free loans for their marriages or of their children and
d) Free education to two dependents of each worker up to University
level.
8.6 The activities of the social security and employees old age
institutions and all other worker welfare organizations will be
integrated. The employees social security organizations will pay
unemployment benefits to established industrial workers who have been
retrenched or made jobless.
8.7 Trade Unions will be re-organized functionally to contribute more
effectively to socio-economic and political goals. Unions will be
represented at all levels of socio-economic activities.
8.8 We will encourage workers participation in management of public
sector enterprises.
8.9 The right of collective bargaining and freedom of association will
be strengthened.
8.10 All rules and regulations will be brought in line with ILO
Convention.
8.11 The labor laws will also be extended to the agricultural workers
and institutional arrangements will be made to ensure that they are not
denied their rights.
8.12 We will establish worker’s Academies in the four provinces which
will impart necessary training to the workers and award them diplomas
and all factories subject to labor laws will participate and contribute
to an adult literacy program and the setting up of vocational schools.
8.13 We will appoint a high powered commission to compile a
comprehensive, but simplified labor legislation by amalgamating or
merging various ordinances and laws connected with labor and trade union
activities.
Chapter 9
Rights of Women - Elimination of Discrimination
Women were denied their rights and considered as chattel until Islam
declared men and women as equal in the eyes of Allah. Conscious of our
Islamic obligations we shall ensure that women of Pakistan have equal
opportunities to this end.
We are proud of the women of Pakistan who fought valiantly in the
freedom struggle, went to jails with infants in their lap, were tortured
in the infamous Lahore Fort and braved bullets when their villages were
attacked. Our women are daughters of the soil, they will help us in
developing our society and reaching high positions in executive,
judiciary and diplomatic service.
The Party is committed to eliminate discrimination against women. We
will take following measures:
9.1 Pakistan will sign the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination against women.
9.2 Women will have the right to work, to free choice of employment, to
just and favorable conditions of work, to protection against
unemployment, to equal pay for work of equal value, and payment of
maternity leave.
9.3 All discriminatory laws against women will be repealed.
9.4 Personal law will be reformed and brought in line with the demands
of contemporary socio-economic realities.
9.5 The law-enforcing machinery will be made effective to protect
modesty of women.
9.6 The government will take special measures to promote the literacy of
women.
9.7 The curse of Jahez is a pernicious evil in our society, which will
be eradicated by enlarging social consciousness and enforcing strictly
the relevant laws and Dowry Act.
Chapter 10
We care for our Children and Senior Citizens
In every civilized society children and senior citizens need special
attention and care. We will take following measures:
10.1 Child labor will be abolished.
10.2 Special institutions will be built for physically and mentally
handicapped children.
10.3 Massive propaganda in the media will be undertaken to eradicate
assault abuse of children and quick and exemplary punishment will be
given to delinquents.
10.4 Special homes will be built for senior citizens, who have nobody to
look after them.
Chapter 11
Minorities are our Trust
In order to promote a just society it is essential to protect the rights
of the minorities. In cognizance of Quaid-e-Azam’s directives and in
consonance with the principle of Islam, we pledge protection to all the
minorities. Minorities are our sacred trust. Following measures will be
taken:
11.1 Minorities will be further integrated as equal partners with the
majority community in all spheres of national life, while at the same
time allowing them to enjoy to the maximum their individual religious
and cultural identities. Special measures will be adopted for the uplift
of the educationally backward section of the minority communities. All
religious and charitable institutions of the minorities will be
exclusively administered by them.
Part IV
ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
Chapter 12
Servants of the People
We will give security of service under the law. We will reorient
government servants to be public servants to serve the people of
Pakistan. salary structures will be linked with inflation. Differentials
between various grades will be narrowed.
Chapter 13
Jail Reforms
Jail manual will be revised. Municipalities and district councils will
appoint an official to oversee jails. Jails will be institutions of
reform. Solitary confinement, Band ward and Danda Berry will be
abolished. Torture and lashes will be eliminated. The minimum
international standards as embodied in the UN convention will be
enforced.
Chapter 14
Multi-Dimensional Defence Policy
With long borders to defend, with a limited strategic depth, and with a
history of conflict and tension with its closest neighbors, the search
for Pakistan’s security remains our main preoccupation. With long years
of military rule, security has unfortunately come to be seen as
synonymous only with the acquisition of weapons.
14.1 The Pakistan Peoples Party government had pursued the aim of self
reliance during the "70s". But the projects initiated by it were not
developed further. Many were dropped altogether. The country’s defence
production has thereby been arrested at a very low and rudimentary
stage, and with the huge annual outlays Defence are making no
contribution to the country’s self reliance in the field of security.
14.2 We consider it totally unacceptable hat with almost a million men
under arms, and with 60 percent of the budget devoted to military
expenditure, Pakistan should remain in such a position. The PPP attaches
the highest importance to the maintenance of a well trained, adequately
equipped and highly motivated defence force. We are convinced that this
objective can be attained without taking away resources from other vital
national objectives. The PPP also believes that the defence of the
nation’s territory and unity is the duty of the nation as a whole which
all citizens must undertake. By the same token, the PPP considers that
the trained and disciplined manpower of the armed forces should be given
a role in nation building activities.
Chapter 15
Elimination of Corruption
Martial Law regime has encouraged discretionary authority, feelings of
insecurity and a high rate of conspicuous consumption. By encouraging
nepotism it has created the soft state it has reduced the obligation of
the community towards the nation state and strengthened the bonds of the
biradari, caste, clan and tribe. The policies of the last eleven years
have completely devastated the social and moral fiber of our nation. All
sectors of life have become stagnated and polluted. Only crime,
narcotics and arms trafficking have flourished. The extent of corruption
and mismanagement is indicated by the admission that Rs. 40 billion is
embezzled every year. We will remove corruption from our land and reward
honesty.
15.1 High level commissions will be constituted with the task of
investigation.
15.2 Corruption among lower ranks cannot be combated if is not first
stamped out at the higher level. All public servants will be expected to
be completely honest in financial dealings. They would declare their
income and wealth before appropriate forum periodically.
15.3 We shall put an end to corrupt practices by streamlining procedures
removing unwanted controls and discretionary powers.
15.4 We will publish details of bank loans irregularly written off and
recover the money.
Part V
A NEW ORDER - ONWARD TO 21ST CENTURY
Chapter 16
Abolition of Poverty
We will make Pakistan a modern manufacturing center of Asia. Our
endeavors will be at making government effective and purposeful. We
fully recognize the government’s role as an important initiator of
change. The existing socio-economic system, while it produces affluence
for the few, generates poverty for the many. We will launch a three
pronged strategic thrust to overcome poverty and to provide at least the
minimum conditions of civilized life to all the people of Pakistan.
16.1 The provision of basic amenities such as drinking water, health,
housing, transport and education to all the people rather that to a
privileged few. This will be achieved by entrusting these
responsibilities to the local bodies after their authority, powers and
resources base have been expanded and enhanced. Programs involving the
people in the formulation and implementation of these projects will be
encouraged. The people will thus become both the subject and the object
of development.
16.2 The party is committed to the elimination of feudalism to bring
human dignity to the peasantry and to achieve the cultural and economic
environment for equality and dynamic growth. Programs designed to
increase the productivity of small farms (operating less than 25 acres)
which constitute 92 % of the total number of farms and 64 % of the total
farm area, will be adopted. These programs will focus on developing the
access of these farms to irrigation, quality seed, fertilizer and
credit. In addition income generation and skill development products for
women as well as projects for health and following measures will be
taken:
16.2.1 The Party will make a major break with the past by integrating an
employment policy in the heart of the national Economic Planning.
16.2.2 Incentives for industrial investment will be linked with
employment generation effects of industrial projects, but the best
equity ratio for new industries will be rationalized and reduced, and
the interest on long term loans will be reviewed.
16.2.3 A major drive for the small scale industrialization in the rural
areas and small towns will be initiated so as to:
a) ensure employment to the rural poor;
b) mobilize local financial and raw material resources;
c) enlarge the range of skills in the rural population;
d) provide improved farm implements at low cost;
e) slow down migration from rural areas to large cities.
16.2.4 The establishment of a heavy industrial base. this alone an
sustain the rapid, and necessary growth of small and medium scale
industry in the countryside. Such a base is also necessary for the
development in Pakistan of a technological change capability. It would
also be in accordance with the highest traditions of the Pakistan
Peoples Party which alone can take the credit for the setting up of the
Heavy Mechanical Complex and the Steel Mill.
Chapter 17
Towards Prosperity
Our primary objective in the economic field will be to remove poverty
and ensure an equitable distribution of the benefits of growth across
all segments of society and regions of Pakistan.
17.1 Our government will rely on the private sector to spearhead
development while the role of the public sector will be essentially in
building infrastructure.
17.2 We will treat all public funds and resources as the nation’s "AMANAT"
that will be used only in the interest and for the benefit of the people
of Pakistan. we shall eliminate wasteful expenditures and corruption
from government.
17.3 We shall dismantle the existing plethora of rules and regulations
which gave generated inefficiencies stifling the private enterprises,
encouraged corruption and given unjustified windfall gains to chose
recipients of permits and licenses.
17.4 We will eradicate all remaining vestiges of discrimination and
economic injustices, to achieve an atmosphere of harmonious cooperation
between all provinces and social classes, to establish solid foundations
of our national unity. To achieve these primary objectives, we make a
commitment of sustained and comprehensive implementation of an
integrated set of policies, characterized by objective of growth, equity
and self reliance.
Chapter 18
Modernization Strategy
We will pursue foremost, the achievement of a high and sustained rate of
overall economic growth, well in excess of the existing rate of
population growth. We will pursue a development strategy which will
achieve growth with better utilization of the country’s two main natural
resources, manpower and land together with a widespread and accelerated
application of modern technology in all sectors of the economy.
Consistent with this aim, we will provide equal production incentives in
both agricultural and industrial sectors.
Macroeconomics policy will be characterized by strict financial
discipline. There will be a sharp reduction in the budgetary and
external imbalances that exist today due to the irresponsible spending
and waste of the last 11 years. Fiscal policy will be formulated to
increase revenue through a reform of the tax system. On the expenditure
side, allocate priorities will be totally reversed from those existing
now, with a multifold increase in allocation for the social sectors
(education, health, manpower, development, urban development, housing
and sanitation).
Monetary policy will be directed towards increased savings. Financial
discipline will necessarily result in an improvement of the external
balance of payments positions and restoration of foreign exchange
reserves, which will serve our objective of greater self reliance.
Greater reliance will be placed on domestic resources to achieve
independence from the dictates of foreign bilateral creditors although
multilateral sources of capital will continue to be tapped. To make this
possible our government will give high priority to an enhanced export
promotion drive.
Chapter 19
Equality and Income Distribution
We believe that if appropriate policies are pursued it is not necessary
to sacrifice equity for growth or vice versa. Hence our government will
give high priority to the distribution of the gains of growth through
ensuring a broad participation of the people of Pakistan, including a
more active role for women, in the development process.
Chapter 20
Customer Oriented Banking
Our domestic saving is one off the lowest in South Asia and can not
support our development program without resort to external borrowings.
In order to increase the level of domestic savings and reduce our
dependence on external borrowing we would undertake institutional and
policy reform to remove shortcomings in the structure of the domestic
financial system (i.e. institutions, instruments and returns / markups).
The reforms would be geared towards encouraging the habit of saving
among the people and at the same time inducing such saving into
financial assets with high social returns rather than in unproductive
and speculative assets with low social returns.
20.1 Credit for All: Credit lines would be opened to small businessmen
who are presently forced to borrow from the informal money markets.
Investment would be made in modern technology to offer a wider range of
banking services to customers. Loans written off without adherence to
accepted banking norms will be scrutinized and amendments would be made
in banking laws to effect recoveries.
20.2 Innovative Capital Markets: We believe that efficient financial
markets are essential for capital formation and economic growth. We
should expand the role of financial intermediaries in the system with
the aim of expanding the size and depth of our money and capital
markets. We would create an environment to stimulate innovation in
financial institutions both to design new attractive saving schemes /
products and in building up mechanism to deploy such savings
productively and effeci3ntly. The regulatory framework would be
strengthened to protect investors from unscrupulous separators.
It is estimated that hundreds of millions of dollarsare held by
Pakistani national in form of bank deposits abroad. The source of this
money is savings of overseas Pakistanis who feel that there is lack of
investment opportunities in their own country. Money invested by wealthy
Pakistani is a hedge against economic and political uncertainty in
Pakistan.
We will channel at least part of these funds back into Pakistan by
creating appropriate conditions of investments.
We will create stable conditions and an economic environment where
investors feel safe about their investments and induce a large
proportion of funds into our country.
Pakistani banks and financial institutes would be allowed to offer
foreign exchange deposit facilities to all. Accordingly in addition to
the relaxation of foreign exchange regulation in respect of foreign
currency deposits, the foreign exchange bearer certificates shall be
convertible into any currency. The user of such certificates will encash
them at the exchange rate prevailing on the date if issue which will
appear on the certificate.
International brokerage houses would be encouraged to underwrite and
participate in the foreign currency mutual funds overseas. The proceeds
from these funds will be earmarked for investment in large scale
industrial projects.
20.3 Liquidation of Fraudulent Investment Companies: People have been
deprived of hundreds of millions of their savings through fraudulent
investment companies, which were allowed to collect fund under the
direct patronage of the highest functionaries of the state. The Party
will make every effort to recover these funds.
Chapter 21
Rapid Industrialization and Development of Mineral Resources
The PPP will make up for the lost time and opportunity in the industrial
and mining sectors by adopting the following policies:
21.1 There will be no nationalization of industries.
21.2 There will be no de-nationalization of enterprises, except through
-Privatization - offer for sale of government shares within prescribed
limits to small share holders and workers.
21.3 Provision of physical and social infrastructure, integral part of
the party’s fundamental program to ensure rapid industrialization of the
country as a whole.
21.4 High priority would be given to basic industries like steel mills,
heavy engineering complexes, chemical and petrochemical plants as well
as industries based on basic metals. We will set up steel making units
based on indigenous ores in Kalabagh, Chagai and Swat / Chitral. we will
invest in new nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizer plants. We will lay
a network of pipelines to connect oil fields with refineries using
locally produced pipes. We will encourage the involvement of the private
sector as it partner in achieving the objective of setting up the above
mentioned basic industrial units.
21.5 We will provide incentives to raise the level of technology in our
industries. High technology industries to produce electronic components,
machinery and other capital goods would be encouraged with a view to
using to the maximum possible extent, locally produced capital equipment
for our massive industrialization program.
21.6 A special program for accelerated development of the NWFP and
Baluchistan will be devised and implemented. Special emphasis would be
laid on developing commercial use of large mineral deposits found in the
two provinces.
21.7 Saindak: We will speedily implement the Saindak Integrated Mineral
Project and overcome environmental constraints. The mining sector other
areas will be expanded and known mineral deposits will be developed.
21.8 Private Sector: The Party will encourage the private sector to come
forward and play its due role in the industrial development of the
country. Industrial sanctioning procedures will be simplifies,
applications disposed off speedily and powers transferred to the
provinces. the objective will be to free the private sector from
bureaucratic controls and give them the opportunity to fully realize
their creative potential, remaining mindful of their responsibility to
society in general and the working class in particular.
The government will encourage the setting up of large scale industrial
units in the private sector by providing finance for such industrial
units through its financial institutions. Projects with capital cost up
to Rs. 1000million would be provided loans according to an agreed debt
equity formula. Projects with capital cost above Rs. 1000 million would
require equity participation from the government unless the investors
are able to arrange additional finance through foreign participation
either through loans or equity capital.
21.9 Efficient Public Sector: The existing situation must be corrected.
Workers will be made partners with the State in the ownership of public
sector units so as to raise over all efficiency levels.
The public sector will be strengthened. Management will be entrusted to
professionals ad greater financial and operating autonomy will be given
to units along with better incentives. Full accountability will be
ensured. Elected representatives will be on their boards of directors. A
select committee of Parliament will supervise and coordinate their
activities to ensure that the interests of labor, the consumer and the
nation at large are well served. Local labor will be encouraged and
outside labor only appointed when no equivalent is available locally.
21.10 Proliferation of Small Scale Industries: The setting up of small
scale units will be encouraged as they are more labor intensive and
generate greater employment opportunities. Amendments will be these
units and their credit ceilings will be enhanced.
We will encourage the setting up of small factories and workshops to be
established by artisans, craftsmen, engineers and skilled workers.
Infrastructure such as purpose built sheds, power and workshop equipment
will be supplied at subsidized rates and assistance given to the
marketing of these goods.
21.11 Harmonious Labor - Management Coordination: We will work jointly
with labor and management to set up programs to raise the level of
productivity of both thereby increasing the price competitiveness of our
goods in export market and the level of efficiency of the economy in
general.
21.12 Peoples Finance Corporation (Small Business Corporation): Loan
scheme for self employment for providing loans tot he self employed
persons such as rickshaw drivers, taxi drivers, hawkers, washermen,
cobblers etc. will be introduced, so as to enable them to purchase
equipment and acquire working capital.
This corporation will be directed to implement the scheme. Rs. 500
million will be straight away allocated to the corporation for providing
loans tot he deserving applicants.
21.13 Manufacture in Pakistan: We will ensure that all the essential
equipment required foe the massive development program in heavy
engineering as well as the light engineering fields in manufactured in
Pakistan. local industries will be protected against smuggled goods and
free import of consumer items, keeping in view that competition must
remain and stimulate production of quality goods for local consumption
and exports. Conspicuous consumption and lavish life style will be
discouraged by making suitable legislation and setting of personal
example by leaders in government and the party.
Chapter 22
Fair Wage Policy
In the determination of wages, worker’s legitimate rights would be fully
protected. At the same time , full account will be taken of the direct
consequences that wage developments have for the choice of techniques in
production and for the competitiveness of a country’s export and import
substitutes. Our government will provide an incomes policy which will
set guidelines for wage determination based on productivity changes that
will ensure adequate wages and protect profitability. The official
income policy will be supplemented with a labor policy which will
protect the just rights of both employers and employees.
Chapter 23
Judicious Taxation System
We believe that the tax system at all levels of the government should be
fair, equitable and conducive to rapid development. The tax payer and
the people must share in a harmonious partnership for over all growth
and distributive justice. The logic of high corporate and income tax is
rooted in a paranoid distrust between the government and the tax payer;
in most cases the tax collector in the principal beneficiary. Similarly
endless exemptions in the tax law increases the discretionary authority
of the officers and consequently lead to misuse the graft. The business
community has a legitimate grievance against the high handiness of the
tax collecting authorities, as the system is skewed in favor of the
dishonest on both sides and honest elements are treated as persona non
grata.
The Party is determined to overhaul the system and bring about changes
which will lead to fair practices, rational tax slab, curtailment of
discretionary powers and growth of business and industry.
We will introduce new fiscal measures to discourage the creation of
black money and expand the monetised sector. Bold initiatives will be
taken to create confidence in the businessmen in the economic management
of the country, so that foreign exchange out flow is stopped;
transactions made easier and inflow of foreign exchange is enhanced.
No income tax will be levied on widows and government pensioners from
their income of pension funds, government securities and rental of one
residential property. Wealth tax laws will be reviewed.
Chapter 24
Deregulation
As a general principle of our policies in all sectors of the economy,
our government will endeavor to simplify procedures, eradicate red
tapism, eliminate rules and regulations which obstruct private
initiatives and engender corruption and bribery. Quantitative
restrictions and licenses which create distortions in resource
allocations and produce arbitrary and windfall profits for a few will be
either eliminated or replaced by more efficient price related
mechanisms.
Chapter 25
Intensive Modernized Farming
We plan to make our country a major exporter of agricultural products
within a short period. Our government will strive to increase
agricultural production, relying to a large extent on private investment
to achieve the objectives.
25.1 Transformation of Rural Condition: We will provide State land to
the land less and ensure that it is arable. We will also ensure that the
land in given to them with a range of rural services, such as credit
facilities, seed and fertilizers, crop insurance and modern farm
technology.
25.2 Special incentives will be provided for industries in the rural
areas.
25.3 The vast majority of the people in the mountainous areas are
snowbound and cut off from civilization for almost half the year. This
condition will be changed by providing access to energy, better roads
and introducing income generating activities.
25.4 We will put in our maximum effort to provide in the shortest
possible time the basic amenities for all people food, nutrition,
drinking water, schooling, education, health care, employment, housing
in organized, clean and hygienic localities.
25.5 Our development programs will raise the required finances, as well
as ensure that resources are more efficiently managed. There will be a
rationalization of expenditures and financial discipline will be
introduced. Discipline will be required by the rich and the powerful to
live austerely, so that the benefits of economy growth are shared by
all.
25.6 It is entirely within the capacity of Pakistan’s resources to solve
the food problem. Our approach will be based on striking a sound balance
between agriculture and the rest of the economy.
25.7 We will use all available resources and create new cultivable lands
in remote areas. Channels, rivers and underground water resources will
be harnessed for irrigation. We will undertake scientific plant
breeding, resort to effective soil management, improve plant protection,
upgrade animal breeds, modernize marketing, reduce waste, and develop an
institutional framework to serve the small farmers in particular.
Chapter 26
End of Feudalism
The Party is committed to the abolition of feudalism by destroying its
political and economic stranglehold over Haris and Mazaras and
agricultural workers.
26.1 We will effectively implement the comprehensive lad reforms
program, as envisaged in the National Charter for the Peasants of
Pakistan, signed by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in December 1976.
26.2 Land resumed under different acts and regulations by the Peoples
government and still continuing under the unauthorized possession of the
big landlords will be withdrawn and distributed amongst the deserving
local cultivators.
26.3 Land Reforms Act 1977 will be enforced.
26.4 Full ownership rights will be given to the tillers of the soil i.e.
Haris and Mazaras, who presently hold lands as Benamdars.
26.5 All cultivable state land, irrigated or un-irrigated and all kacha
land donated or leased which has not been reserved for public purpose,
shall be distribute with full ownership rights among local peasants who
own no land.
26.6 All occupancy tenants of state land, who were not granted ownership
rights earlier, shall be declared owners of State land in their
cultivating possession.
26.7 Loan for Agriculture Purposes Act 1973 will be strictly
implemented.
26.8 The question of land tenure will be reviewed according to objective
realities every five years.
Chapter 27
Forest, Fisheries and Livestock
27.1 Forests: The main object of forest management policies will be
maximum public welfare rather than maximum yield. Short term profit will
not be a parameter in determining forest management policy.
27.2 Fisheries Development: We will ensure that the small fisherman is
not left at the mercy of mole holders, money lenders, exporters and
other intermediaries. The economic and social levels of the fishing
communities will be improved, while ensuring additional supplies of
protein tot he population. Fisher men will be provided modern equipment
to improve their catch, and they will be provided protection on the high
sea.
27.3 Livestock Development: Modern technology will be introduced to
develop livestock. Cattle produce and dairy farms will be supported.
Chapter 28
Small Farmers Strategy
The Party has involved the following program for small farmers:
28.1 Social Security: We will provide Haris and Muzaras and all
agricultural workers, old age benefits and rights to social security as
in the case of industrial workers.
28.2 Crop Insurance: Crop insurance will be introduced as a protection
against crop failures due to adverse weather conditions.
28.3 Fair Price and Availability of Farm Produce: After the abolition of
all subsidies on inputs, we will endeavor to have realistic price levels
protecting farmers from international price fluctuation. If the farmers
are asked to pay international prices for their inputs, they will be
entitled to receive competitive international process for their produce.
28.4 Cotton Policy: An integrated and comprehensive national cotton
policy will be evolved which will be ensure more value-added in the
spinning, weaving and finishing of cloth. We will ensure a guaranteed
price to the grower. The cotton crop will be largely absorbed at home,
by setting up of spinning, weaving and finishing industries in the
districts in which cotton is grown to encourage value added exports.
28.5 Land Improvement: Mobile soil analysis laboratories will be put up
at all tehsil headquarters. Watershed management will be undertaken on
an expanded scale with the active participation of the farmer. Lands
will be rectangulated wherever not previously done.
28.6 Flood Management: Flood damages will be avoided by adequate flood
warning systems integrated with effective flood retention, flood
diversion and reliable and fully understood flood protection systems.
28.7 Infrastructure Facilities for Marketing: We will create a firm
foundation for agricultural and rural progress by providing the
marketing, storage and processing facilities, provision of credit and
production supplies. The development of local organizations will be
given top priority.
28.8 No village will be more than 3 miles from Surface Road: High
priority will be given to the provision of rural link roads, so that no
village is more than three miles form a surface road.
28.9 Agricultural Credit linked with Input and marketing: Small farmers
will have ready access to institutional credit. Agricultural credit
institutions will be strengthened and will ensure that they operate
policies and procedures which benefit the small farmers directly.
28.10 Farmers Cooperatives: Liberal concessions and loan facilities will
be provided tot he Voluntary Farmers cooperatives to encourage farming
on a cooperative basis. Our aim is to provide loans for the sons of
subsistence farmers and mazdoors so that they may become economically
self reliant.
28.11 Integrated Rural Development Program: The scope of the integrated
rural development program will be expanded and administered through
local bodies.
Chapter 29
Education for All
Fully 98 % of the world’s people have already achieved educational
standards significantly higher than ours and our competitive position if
the world has been greatly eroded as a result. If this situation is not
addressed with the utmost resolve and urgency, then we will become a
permanently disadvantaged nation in the world community.
PPP is resolved, therefore, to accord the highest priority to education.
The principal aim of PPP’s educational policy will be to ensure that
every child receives at least 10 years of formal education. At the same
time, PPP will make every effort to ensure that academic standards of
higher education are raised to international levels.
29.1 Larger Objectives
29.1.1 To develop the mental and moral faculties of our youth.
29.1.2 To stimulate in them a creative interest in the study of nature
and man.
29.1.3 To enable our youth to earn an honorable living for themselves
and contribute to the development of the country.
29.1.4 To deepen their consciousness of humanity.
29.2 The Program: Top priority will be given to universalization of
primary education to achieve 100% enrollment in 5 years.
29.2.1 The state will provide free and compulsory education from class 1
to V in the first phase and up to class X in the second phase of our
program.
29.2.2 The medium of instruction will be the mother tongue from class 1
to V.
29.2.3 Vocational and polytechnic institutes will be located at tehsil
level.
29.2.4 Technical and vocational education will be State subsidized.
29.2.5 The curriculum will emphasize mathematics, science and the
integration of environmental realities into subject matter.
29.2.6 Students Unions will be revived and black laws against students
will be withdrawn.
29.2.7 Private enterprise will be allowed to set up schools and
educational institutions. The State will regulate private institutions
so as to ensure that the rights of teachers, parents and students alike
are protected.
29.2.8 There will be more autonomy in higher educational institutions
and degree granting colleges will afford priority to applied research.
29.2.9 Policy responses towards education both at the federal and
provincial levels will be based on cultural pluralism and recognition of
the importance of all regional languages.
29.2.10 The Party recognizes the pivotal role of teachers in the process
of education and national development. The structure of salary of
primary and secondary schools will be enhanced in recognition of their
nation building role.
29.2.11 District educational officers will be directly elected.
29.2.12 There will be an expansion of auxiliary programs such as book
bank, book production.
29.2.13 All import taxes on books will be abolished. The local paper
industry will be encouraged.
29.2.14 Educational Policy will provide for integration and linkage with
manpower planning, so that the educated and skilled youth are available
in sufficient number to meet the requirements of a dynamic economy.
29.2.15 Radio Pakistan and TV will resume their role as vital media for
education. Radio and TV educational programs will be targeted at the
needs of the rural areas. Public schools will be provided with audio
visual educational aids.
29.2.16 Public libraries will be established in every tehsil.
29.2.17 Computers will be provided at secondary level schools and above.
29.2.18 national Education Fund will be created and constitutional
protection will be given to education budget which will be a minimum of
4.5 % of the GNP, which will be non-replaceable.
29.2.19 Youth Literacy Corp will be set up.
Chapter 30
Leaders of Tomorrow
The peoples government will also take the following measures:
30.1 All student leaders and activists will be released from detention.
30.2 Narcotics and arms will be banished from educational institutions.
Suitable rehabilitation centers for addicts will be opened at all
district hospitals.
30.3 Scholarships and financial assistance will be available to
deserving students on a much larger scale.
30.4 Sports and extra curricular activities will be given special
attention and their scope will be enhanced.
30.5 The inclusion of sports an recreation facilities and public parks
in town planing and new housing projects will be made a necessary
condition for approval of the projects.
30.6 Sports complexes will be made in all tehsils of the country.
30.7 Sports administration will be decentralized and made autonomous.
30.8 Well managed hostels will be provided in all higher educational
institutions.
30.9 Universities will have full time counselors to assist students with
career planning.
Chapter 31
Art, Culture And Indus Tradition
Culture and language binds our people to their tradition and history. It
has a central place in our daily life. It is essential to bring suitable
changes to satisfy the needs of the people.
Culture is the manifestation of the cumulative experience of the
community. For the successful development of society and expansion ofd
consciousness it is essential that creative talents are nurtured like a
young and tender sapling.
Pakistan Peoples Party is determined to give back to the people their
right to expression, in prose, in verse and in all other art forms.
The party will take following measures towards the development of
culture:
31.1 TV programs in all languages of Pakistan including Seraiki will be
started.
31.2 Permanent multipurpose cultural exhibition halls will be built in
every provincial capital.
31.3 Every year cultural competitions and fairs will be held with
participants from all provinces.
31.4 Regional languages and their literature will be encouraged.
31.5 To place Pakistan in the competitive world, English the
international language of computer and technology will be taught at
primary level and special courses in English will be undertaken for
students form rural schools at the university and professional college
level.
31.6 Translation bureaus will be set up to translate the work of authors
in different languages, in Urdu and other regional languages.
Chapter 32
Science And Technology - Need Of The Hour
Technology in its day to day use makes transference of belief system
from mythical to logical and verifiable. We believe that the neglect of
Science and Technology has been a cardinal reason for our backwardness.
Science and Technology will be given a paramount place in the
development of the country. Scientific methods will be adopted in our
decision making and approach to development.
32.1 Institute of Science and Technology: We will set up a world class
Institute of Science and Technology.
32.2 Technologies of Today and Tomorrow: We will evolve our own strategy
tied to the technologies of today and tomorrow. We will concentrate on
looking for the emergence of new technologies and find ways to acquire
them at the right stage. We will acquire technology in the field of
energy, electronics and micro electronics, computers and bio-technology.
We will endeavor in a new direction and on a gigantic scale.
Chapter 33
Energy - 40,000 MEGAWATT
Pakistan has logged far behind in developing energy sources.
Consequently progress has been hampered.
Following actions will be taken:
33.1 The energy requirements will be met by undertaking a comprehensive
integrated plan to that the nation is able to produce 40,000 MW of
electricity by the end of the century.
33.2 This will facilitate development of the hydro-electric resources
and setting up of thermal power plants based on gas and coal.
Expeditious development of Lakhra and coal mines will be undertaken. We
will have micro and mini hydraulic power stations. Wind generators will
also be installed, wherever feasible, in the coastal areas. The unwieldy
structure of WAPDA will be reorganized to minimize energy losses.
33.3 Oil and Gas: We will accelerate the development of the already
discovered Oil and Gas resources on most scientific lines and special
attention will be paid for the development f Dhodak Oil Fields. We will
promote exploration activity as we consider this investment necessary to
remove the huge drain on foreign exchange on account of import of fuel.
Prices of petroleum and its products will be rationalized and the
benefits of lower international price of crude oil will be passed on to
the consumer.
33.4 Nuclear Policy: We are committed to a peaceful nuclear program for
energy purposes and economic development of Pakistan. while it is
difficult for us to unilaterally sign the nuclear proliferation treaty,
we are prepared to examine bilateral response to this question in the
regional context. We would like to see a nuclear weapons free zone in
the Indian Ocean.
Chapter 34
Water
34.1 Tarbela will be made fully functional and we will establish a
reservoir release pattern to maximize the utilization of the irrigation
water.
34.2 The issue of judicious and equitable apportionment of the Indus
water would be resolved amicably and expeditiously having regards to
historic obligations and coordinated and timely availability of various
sources of water.
34.3 We will build at least two dams upstream of Tarbela at Basha and
Dasu.
34.4 We will start studies on other sites such as Sakardu and Sehwan on
the Rover Indus and other rivers for small dams.
Chapter 35
Safe Transport And Integrated Communications
The country’s transport and communication system is absolute and is an
obstacle for development. We will implement the following program:
35.1 Transport: Our program will create a revolution in transportation
for the people. We will provide rapid, convenient, clean and economical
transport to the citizens in the major cities within two years. For the
movement of goods inland navigation system will be activated. Scientific
and regulated traffic systems will be instituted and policed. We will
make all out effort to cut down road accidents.
35.2 Transport System for Major Cities: Transport facilities in
metropolitan cities are grossly inadequate causing he highest rate of
fatal accidents in the whole Asia. The Peoples Government will
implement:
35.2.1 Rapid transit subway in congested down town areas.
35.2.2 Light rail system connecting suburbs with central areas.
35.2.3 Two car electric trolley buses linking the industrial and
residential areas.
35.3 Highway Accidents: Accidents on our highways are taking high toll
of lives. Modern methods of traffic control would be introduced.
35.4 Telecommunications - Links with the World: Lack of
telecommunication systems in one of the major constraints to
development. For modernization effective telecommunication system is
imperative. We will make massive investments in telecommunication sector
to ensure induction of modern technology. Unnecessary controls in the
acquisition of technology will be removed.
We shall also ensure that all the required telecommunications equipment
is manufactured in Pakistan, access to technology is gained and
employment is provided for the people. We intend to improve the
telephone system quantitatively and qualitatively.
We will ensure that there are public telephone booths at all convenient
places in all cities and towns. We will also ensure that in the rural
areas every village is connected to the national telephone system. To
expand the inland Telephone Network, participation of the private sector
will be encouraged. Fax facility will be available at low cost. Walky
talkies will be made available in public vehicles, hospitals, community
centers and for ship for shore communications and so such organizations
where it is deemed necessary.
35.5 Railways and Roads - Reaching the People: We will embark on a fully
integrated communication system integrating roads highways, railways,
airlines, city transport and rapid transit, waterways and
telecommunications into a well knit and efficient network for the
transportation of goods and people, conducive to achieving accelerated
socio-economic development.
Road construction will be accelerated to open up several inaccessible
parts of the country, particularly in the rural areas. We will build new
highways and the existing roads will be upgraded.
Inter-city and intra-city public transport is an essential prerequisite
for any society today. With our large electricity generation, we will
develop electric traction.
The railways will be expanded, made faster, more efficient and assigned
a proper role in national economic by embarking on most suitable
technological techniques.
35.6 Ports and Shipping - Gateway to Commerce: Ports and shipping sector
has been a victim of large scale bungling, non professional management
has resulted in huge reduction in number of ships, unemployment of
trained people and loss of revenue due to diversion of cargo on other
carriers.
We will take following measures:
35.6.1 Enlarge the merchant navy fleet and associate private sector in
the development of shipping.
35.6.2 Put the management of the ports and Pakistan National Shipping
Corporation under professional control.
35.6.3 Increase the ship building capacity and build ships locally.
35.6.4 Update the Shipping Control Act 1923 to meet the national
requirements.
Chapter 36
A Healthy Nation
The Party is committed to provide modern health facilities to every
citizen and has evolved a comprehensive policy:
Objectives:-
36.1 Administrative decentralization of the entire health set up by
creating an elected district health officer and placing the health
department under the control of elected bodies.
36.2 Upgrading of public health services, including school health,
maternal and child health, nutrition and the improvement of clean water
and waster disposal systems.
36.3 The scope and jurisdiction of social security schemes will be
broadened.
36.4 The private health sector will be given incentives to improve and
enlarge its scope. Regulation will be formulated in consultation with
their associations.
36.5 General practitioners will be part of the main stream of the health
care system and incentives will be given to them. They will work in an
integrated system enabling access to diagnostic and consultative
services.
36.6 Jobs for all medical graduates will be available as soon as they
have finished their house jobs and rural service. The career structure
of doctors serving in public sector will be revised.
36.7 In order to improve the standards of medical education and
research, full time professional departments will be create din all
under and post graduate medical institutes.
36.8 A National Formulary for Drugs will be developed based on the
requirements for diseases prevailing in our country. These drugs will be
made available even in the remotest village. The public sector will
start progressive manufacturing of these drugs. The system of
registration of new products outside the national formulary and quality
control in the industry will be improved.
36.9 All laws relating to public health including the Mental Health Act
are outdated and will be replaced by new legislation.
36.10 Traditional and alternative systems of medicine will be formally
organized within specially set up schools and training institutions.
36.11 No person in need of medical care will be denied medical service.
36.12 Industrial safety and the protection from environmental hazards
will receive high priority.
36.13 Milk feeding and nutrition programs will be reactivated.
36.14 Reasonable diet and all the medicines needed or those admitted to
public sector hospitals will be insured.
36.15 Raise the budgetary allocations for the health sector to achieve
the objectives of our program.
36.16 Family planning will be made an effective part of the health care
program and there will be more mobile services and rural health centers.
36.17 Preventive medicine shall be distributed free to rural and poor
urban slum dwellers.
36.18 Provision of drinking water through a program of installing a hand
pumps in Katchi Abadies and villages shall be given special priority.
36.19 Post graduate medical facilities in all provinces will be upgraded
and improved and brought at par with international standards.
Chapter 37
War Against Narcotics
In the last eleven years hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis have become
victims of heroin addiction. The party is committed to abolish
production, transportation, proliferation, manufacture, trafficking and
abuse of drugs. We will take suitable measures to combat it on war
footings. We will also build rehabilitation centers or drug addicts and
bring professional expertise in the Narcotics Control Board.
Chapter 38
Half A Million Houses Every Year
Vast number of our population is shelterless. Rapid population growth is
accentuating this problem. A sizable number of housing units are
dilapidated. There is an acute housing shortage. Party is committed to
provide shelter to our population. We shall ensure that half a million
homes are constructed every year. We will provide incentives to the
private sector to contribute to the shelter construction program in the
form of loans and tax relief. Public sector will also engage in crash
programs and endeavor to provide e indigenous raw material and
appropriate technology. For the manufacture of low cost housing units
special incentives will be given. Engineering institution, research
organizations and youth corp will play a leading role in providing help
to the rural poor to build houses.
We shall make every effort to stamp out the inhuman lining conditions in
the urban slums, jughies and rural areas. We will ensure that the people
lining in Kachi Abadies are housed in concrete, neat and well planned
dwellings.
38.1 Workers Housing Scheme: Workers housing authorities will be
constituted at the provincial level to provide decent, hygienic housing
to workers at a minimum distance from their place of work.
A nominal monthly installment will be charged, giving workers ownership
rights to his house or a similar house at the time of retirement.
38.2 Town Planning: Lack of town planning has caused slums and ribbon
development. Town and regional planning is much talked of in Pakistan
but has been disgracefully neglected. All our cities are an instance of
how corruption has deprived our citizens of the amenities which are
necessary parts of civic life. Sites meant for public parks have been
given away to private persons. Even master plans have been altered and
green belts destroyed to appease the collaborators of the regime. The
management of the housing societies, in most instances, has been grossly
corrupt.
Chapter 39
Tourism
Pakistan has a tremendous potential for development of tourism. A very
large tourist industry can be built to attract foreigners. Sizable
foreign exchange earning can be made.
Party will develop suitable spots in the mountain areas with the
necessary infrastructure facilities and communications. Areas will be
developed for sports and leisure activities. Similarly on the coast near
Karachi, an all weather beach will be developed. Private sector will be
actively involved in these entrepreneurial activities.
Chapter 40
Overseas Pakistanis are our Ambassadors
Party is fully alive tot he concerns of overseas Pakistanis and their
contribution to national economy.
40.1 Leaders of Pakistani communities will be considered for appointment
as honorary counselors wherever there are Pakistani communities and no
counselor service is available.
40.2 Pakistani Embassies and Consulates will be directed to streamline
all counselor procedures and make their traveling to Pakistan free of
hindrances. Those living abroad by choice or compulsion will have all
privileges accorded to citizens of Pakistan.
40.3 All existing rules regarding their investments in Pakistan will be
revised in order to promote better investment climate for them.
Part VI: POLITICAL COOPERATION AND END TO
VENDETTA
Chapter 41
Assassination, Revenge and the Political System
We believe that political assassination and revenge are base and
primitive acts. Both are products of sick and frustrated minds. It has
no place in the dignified execution of modern state craft. We denounce
all forms of violence in the political system. Political vendetta sows
the dragon’s tooth. Violence engenders greater violence. Our sacrifices,
our anguish and our vision of the future leads us towards evolving a
political culture in which brutality has no place.
Throughout our long struggle of last eleven years, we have cooperated
and brought an understanding with other political parties. It is our
honest desire to cooperate with them in the larger interest of democracy
and nation building. We are determined to guide the political process of
the country towards establishing a mature, mutually respectable and
participatory system; A system based on the finest traditions of
humanism, justice and democracy.
Part VII: OUR ROLE IN THE WORLD
Chapter 42
Foreign Policy - Equality, Friendship and Peace
A successful foreign policy can not be conducted in the absence of a
national vision and without a national, popular consensus to support it.
The Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of Pakistan was of a country of peace with its
neighbors, maintaining friendly relations with all powers and playing a
constructive and positive role in the world, while devoting its energies
and resources to the betterment and welfare of its people.
It was the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali
Bhutto, who tried to give form to the vision of the Founder of Pakistan.
Bhutto Shaheed broke the world of subservience and entanglement into
which Pakistan’s foreign relations had got set in the initial years; he
initiated an opening to the Soviet Union, developed a lasting
relationship with the Peoples Republic of China, and strengthened
relations with the United States and other western countries; he opened
the way for Pakistan’s entry into the Non Aligned Movement and gave
substance and meaning to out brotherly relations with the Islamic
countries. He negotiated an agreement with Afghanistan which had he
lived to see it implemented, would have averted the subsequent
misfortune in Afghanistan.
It was Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and his Party which gave the
country’s foreign policy a new orientation and the stamp of
independence. From the defect and disgrace of the 1971 war in East
Pakistan, he brought the country back to a position of honor in the
world community making Pakistan’s voice heard with respect in world
forums.
42.1 At Shimla a path was chartered out for a just and peaceful
settlement of disputes and the promotion of friendly cooperation. The
PPP will pursue these goals with determination and in a spirit of
realism. Solution of Kashmir dispute is a major problem which will be
resolved in the Shimla spirit.
42.2 We believe that Pakistan’s interests will be best served by a
restoration of Afghanistan’s independence and non aligned status and by
enabling the Afghan people to establish a democratic government o their
choice.
42.3 The Muslim world constitutes in geographical, cultural and economic
terms, extension of Pakistan’s Islamic heritage. The combined human and
material resources of the region give it the makings of a rich and
growing economic entity which could one day become on of the world’s
major centers of economic powers.
42.4 Our solidarity with the oppressed people of Africa, Latin America,
Asia and specially Palestine has remained the cornerstone of our foreign
policy. We will make every effort to help them in just cause.
42.5 With the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan and wide
ranging changes that are taking place in the Soviet Union’s domestic an
foreign policies, the way is opening for the establishment of friendly
and good neighborly relations and intensifying economic and cultural
exchanges between our tow countries.
42.6 Our relations with the United States go back to the beginning of
Pakistan’s existence as an independent nation. They have not been free
of difficulties and differences but over the years the relations have
grown and deepened in many spheres - education, culture, science and
technology, and so forth. In the long view relations in these fields are
as important, if not more so, as the economic and military assistance
Pakistan receives from the USA.
42.7 We will bring back to our foreign policy a clear sense of direction
and balance. It will reinvigorate and strengthen the instruments for the
conduct of the nation’s diplomacy and foreign relations, giving back tot
he profession, pride and a sense of purpose. After years of diplomatic
jugglery and stratagems, what the country need is a government and
leadership that are honest with the people and with the world. Only a
government whose struggle lies in the support of the people and which is
accountable to the people can muster the national will and harness the
skills to overcome the present dangers and difficulties and face the
challenge of the future.
WE PLEDGE TO SERVE
The Party is committed to the Manifesto and is determined to serve the
people and take them on their onward march of progress and development.
The Pakistan Peoples Party is committed to build a New Order to take
Pakistan into the 21st century as a developed nation. It is inspired by
the vision of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
and the vision of the Founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Shaheed
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who said:
"I have a vision that one day fields in our country will blossom with
abundance, the rolling fields and orchards an village squares will ring
with the songs of happy children - children with the color of blood in
their cheeks and with books held proudly under their arms.
We will build a society in which the old values of greed and advancement
will be replaced by a common concern of the welfare of the whole
community. We will build our monuments to our contemporary civilization
- institutions of learning, factories and dams a, atomic reactors and
television centers - these will be our Taj Mahals of the 20th Century".
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