With Elections 2024 Pakistan looming, it is crucial for political parties to publish their manifestos and inform the population about their economic objectives and policy intentions if they win. A manifesto demonstrates a party’s roadmap for achieving its principles, values, and ideology, making it a vital tool for citizens to make informed, democratic decisions.
The Case for Political Manifestos is clear: they not only guide voters but also provide a record of promises that allow citizens to hold parties accountable post-elections.
Lack of Detailed Economic Planning in Manifestos
Pakistan’s political parties often fail to provide detailed plans for policy feasibility, timelines, or implementation in their manifestos. Less than 20% of key economic and policy issues are addressed by the top parties, and proposals frequently lack evidence-based recommendations or consultative input (PIDE Report, Pakistan Today).
For example, the Pakistan People’s Party 10-Point Manifesto promised free healthcare, construction of three million houses, and green energy parks in every district. However, it did not outline practical plans or consider Pakistan’s financial constraints, including external debt reaching $124.3 billion in June 2023 (IMF Blog).
Historically, manifestos are often disregarded after elections, as parties treat them as formalities rather than actionable strategies (PIDE Report). Nevertheless, ensuring that citizens are aware of these manifestos is crucial for Elections 2024 Pakistan and for fostering accountability.
Economic Policy and Human Development
Pakistan’s rising foreign debt requires a strategic, long-term economic policy. The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio reached 91.1% in FY2023 (Dawn). To break this debt trap, political parties must outline policies to empower domestic businesses, improve efficiency, and foster job growth.
Key interventions include:
- Incentivizing exports and market-friendly business regulations.
- Investing in small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Increasing public spending on education (1.7% of GDP) and health (1.4% of GDP) (World Bank PDF).
- Mobilizing female labour force participation (currently 21%) through skill development and education initiatives (UN Women Pakistan).
The Role of the 18th Amendment
The devolution process under the 18th Amendment has stalled, limiting accountability and effective administration (Tribune). Political parties should clarify their stance on provincial autonomy and ensure:
- Capacity building for provincial governments to raise resources.
- Greater transparency in fiscal and policy processes.
- Decentralized service delivery to district and tehsil levels.
- Mechanisms for monitoring and accountability to citizens.
This is a critical aspect for Elections 2024 Pakistan, as citizens need clarity on how parties plan to strengthen governance at the grassroots level.
Climate Change Crisis
Pakistan faces severe climate risks, including water shortages, air pollution, high temperatures, and devastating floods. Political manifestos should include:
- Science-based climate mitigation policies (IPCC Report).
- Social and economic support for vulnerable groups, especially women and low-income populations.
- Transparent allocation of funds and measurable targets to assess policy impact (World Bank PDF).
Effective climate change mitigation requires reforms across financial, institutional, social, and regulatory systems.
Conclusion: The Case for Political Manifestos
Political manifestos must clearly explain why specific policy targets were chosen, the institutions involved, implementation strategies, associated costs, and potential barriers. Transparency and clarity allow citizens to make educated decisions, fostering accountability and strengthening democracy.
The upcoming Elections 2024 Pakistan present an opportunity for parties to demonstrate their commitment to public welfare through detailed, actionable manifestos, highlighting The Case for Political Manifestos as a vital tool for informed voting.
References:
- PIDE Report: Manifestoes Without Substance
- Less than 20% of Pakistan’s Issues Addressed in Manifestos
- Bilawal Unveils 10-Point Election Manifesto
- Pakistan Financing Conundrum – IMF Blog
- Dawn: Pakistan Debt Report
- World Bank: Pakistan Development Update October 2023
- UN Women Pakistan – NRSW Report
- Unfulfilled Promises of the 18th Amendment – Tribune
- IPCC AR6 Report
