With less than two weeks remaining until the general elections on February 8, Barrister Gohar Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) unveiled the party’s election manifesto on Sunday, promising social and constitutional reforms. The announcement took place during the party’s nationwide election campaigns, where they alleged authorities were hindering their candidates.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Gohar introduced the manifesto titled ‘Shandaar Pakistan, Shandaar Mustaqbil aur Kharaab Maazi sey chutkara’ (Magnificent Pakistan, Magnificent Future, and Freedom from a Dark Past). He mentioned that the party leaders involved in compiling the document couldn’t be present due to fears of arrest.
Gohar highlighted key points of the manifesto, including the commitment to establish a truth and reconciliation commission to address injustices faced by the common man. He stressed the importance of the rule of law, advocating for equal treatment of all citizens regardless of their economic status.
The manifesto also aimed to model the country after the ‘Riyasat-i-Madina’ (State of Madina) and proposed reforms in criminal and civil laws, particularly the simplification of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Gohar pledged constitutional reforms, including the direct selection of the prime minister by the people, a reduction in the National Assembly’s tenure to four years, and the direct election of 50% of Senators.
On the economic front, Gohar promised tax scheme reforms, an expansion of the tax bracket, subsidies for farmers, and large-scale implementation of solar energy projects. The party also proposed a universal health card, educational reforms, and a singular education system throughout the country.
The manifesto included a section detailing the values to be instilled in the youth for their prosperity, with incentives provided for their education and political participation. Gohar assured social security for citizens, emphasizing the need to combat corruption through a tougher initiative.
Addressing foreign policy, Gohar emphasized the necessity of maintaining relationships based on equality with all countries and asserted that no external interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs would be tolerated, following a policy aligned with these principles.
