This is election season, and in election season, what matters the most?
As a journalist, I often take interest in political slogans, not party manifestos. I take interest in election songs, not election speeches.
But the news pages consume reports on manifestos and leaders speeches.
In my view, Malko has set the tone for electioneering with his ‘Nak da koka’ song, which eulogizes the prisoner No 804 of Adiala Jail.
In this regard, the PML-N took the lead with its title song of the October 21 rally of Lahore, sung by Sahir Ali Bagga.
In a political landscape where manifestos often take a back seat to catchy slogans, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami have presented their manifestos.
The PPP presented a brief 10-point manifesto for the upcoming 2024 elections. The manifesto was unveiled by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during the 16th-anniversary gathering commemorating the party’s martyred leader, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, on December 27, 2023.
Bilawal Bhutto, in his fiery speech, outlined key promises encapsulated in the party’s manifesto, emphasizing the central themes of “Bread, Cloth, House.” The ten-point agenda aims to address the pressing issues of inflation, unemployment, and poverty plaguing the nation.
The manifesto pledges to double salaries within five years and provide 300 units of solar energy for the underprivileged. The PPP promises free electricity to those in need, ensuring low-cost electricity distribution in every district. A commitment to implementing uniform quality education schemes and establishing a free healthcare system across Pakistan is also highlighted.
Among the notable promises, the manifesto vows to provide houses for flood victims and grant ownership rights to slum dwellers. Unprecedented income support for the poor, issuance of Kisan cards, introduction of a unique income card for laborers, and support for the youth through youth cards and centers in all divisions are part of the comprehensive plan.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari plans to combat poverty through employment projects, expressing confidence in the hunger eradication program proposed by the PPP. Additionally, plans to construct two million houses for flood victims in Sindh and a commitment to build 30 lakh houses if the PPP forms the government were announced.
The tradition of election manifestos serves as a means for political parties to express their thinking and preparations. Unlike some other countries with well-established think tanks, Pakistan’s parties face the challenge of considering economic conditions and ensuring public confidence in the implementation of their proposed policies.
Amidst the active election environment, the PPP stands out in its communication with the people. However, the overall political atmosphere remains volatile, with parties engaging more in speeches, statements, and media debates than traditional political campaigns. The use of social media has significantly impacted Tehreek-e-Insaf’s election campaign, which is being run by the state itself.
While the PPP has laid out a detailed manifesto, other major parties, such as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), appear to be taking a different approach. The PML-N, seemingly confident in divine guidance, has focused on candidate selection, with an emphasis on public relations and media handling. However, doubts about the conduct of elections at the state level have fueled unnecessary debates about whether the elections will indeed take place.
As the election season progresses, the focus will shift to other party manifestos, each expected to address the economic conditions and the challenges posed by international entities like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The political landscape remains uncertain, with skepticism about the seriousness and enthusiasm of state measures to ensure a smooth election process. Despite the challenges, political fervor persists, with patriots leveraging the ongoing political dynamics to their advantage.
