The plan for first hands days in government if elected to power unveiled by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is an appreciable move. Politics and election campaigns in Pakistan are usually based on political rhetoric and attacking rival parties. The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) based much of its 2013 election campaign on targeting Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Many would still remember the fiery speeches of Shehbaz Sharif in which he vowed to drag the then President Asif Ali Zardari in the streets during the election campaign.
Similarly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had also built a narrative in the said elections that most others parties including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party are corrupt. This time too parties will stick to the tried and tested election campaign mantra of allegations. In this scenario Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has done well to actually present a blue print of what they plan to do if elected to power. Other parties should also follow suit and present their manifestos and plan of actions. Election campaigns should be based on what the parties (that in power) achieved when they had power and what they plan to deliver (if elected to power).
While addressing the gathering during presentation of the first 100-day plan Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan said this is the first time his party is going to contest 2018 elections with full preparations and acknowledged that it had not made such preparations in the previous elections.
The salient features of the first 100 day plan are expeditious merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bifurcation of Punjab province and reconciliation with estranged Baloch leaders. The plan also contains a plan for introducing a development package for Karachi and a programme for alleviation of poverty from the country, besides a number of steps for improvement of economy. The agenda is based on six themes that include transforming governance, strengthening the federation, re-vitalising economic growth, uplifting agriculture and conserving water, revolutionising social sector and ensuring national security.
Although the blue print looks good on paper but the real challenge will come (if the party is elected to power) when it comes to implementing this plan. However, it is a good initiative from the party and other parties should also put forward their agendas so voters know can make an educated decision during the voting process.
The first 100 days plan presented by the party is a good initiative, which other parties should follow.
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