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Let PTI explain its policies on economy and poverty

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Let PTI explain its policies on economy and poverty

Rizwan Ghani

People know Imran Khan but they hardly know about his plans on national issues. Pakistan wants to see Imran’s economic plan and the team that will run country’s economy.
Pakistan is following a capitalism based economic system that is linked to the dollar based financial system which fuels inflation, unequal distribution of wealth, poverty, unemployment and price hike which translate in social and economic challenges at the individual and the state level. Britain used the local resources to become an economic power. Therefore, Imran should tell Pakistan which economic system he supports and why?

There is a need for clear policies on banking sector. Our leaders should take clear stand on government control of State Bank, restricting local banks to retail banking and barring them from investing account holders money to make profit for individuals and transferring the losses to taxpayers. Reportedly, management of public sector banks is drawing six digit salaries which is having adverse impact on the efficiency of banking sector, national savings setups and national economy. Public wants to see the road map to hold heads of State Bank, Securities and Exchange Commission and bank managements accountable for their failures resulting in inflation, debts, loan and scams. Similarly, political leaders should show the prospective candidates for such posts.

By definition, modern and democratic governments are responsible for the “equitable distribution of wealth” but our government is helping individuals to accumulate national wealth. Imran should explain to the public how he plans to protect social and economic interests of the public, end privatization of national assets, restore uniform pay scale, revive unions and protect rights of the workers. Reportedly, unions are unable to protect rights of their members, judiciaries discourage class action suits and employers refuse to respect right to protest and assemble. How he plans to help public stand up for their legal and constitutional rights.

Public would like to know Imran’s position on urban-rural policy and enactment of land reforms so that public can benefit from modern banking system on line of advanced economies. It will help reduce poverty, document economy, expand tax net, fight corruption and strengthen economy. Reportedly, less than 9 percent Pakistanis have access to banking services including bank accounts. Beijing has started improving basic infrastructures in rural China including health care, education, electricity, IT, telecommunication and justice system to ease pressure on basic services of major urban centers.

According to Turkish PM, Istanbul could split in two due to growing city strains (April 18, The Guardian). Karachi is already a case in point. Pakistan’s 62 percent population is living in rural areas and 36 percent in major cities. Our political leaders should tell the public the number of jobs each political party will create and how.

Pakistan has over 29 million family units. Today, 90 percent of Pakistanis are living below $2 a day, which is the international standard of poverty.

The growing number of dependents on food safety networks show challenges of unemployment and poverty. In addition, people would welcome details of plans on value addition in sectors like dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruits, looms, cotton and textile.

Public wants to know how Imran plans to devolve education to provinces in accordance to the 1973 Constitution. People would like to see a clear policy on education addressing issues of language, decentralization, standardization and reducing cost of all types of educations.

Pakistan would like to see Imran’s policies on energy, transport and railway system to cut oil imports by 70 percent with the adoption of renewable energy, metro train services and railway as strategic mode of transport. Japan nuclear disaster and seismic activity has forced a review of construction of dams in China. Railway is six times more economical as compared to road transport. Its use can bring the diesel imports down to $3bn from $8bn. The use of railways as public transport system helps reduce poverty by 30 percent by allowing people to hire cheap accommodation, timely access to public services like education, healthcare and police. Reportedly, the rents and property prices fell by 30 percent in Dubai after the start of metro service. The start of metro services by the government in major cities will ease pressure on basic services and allow government to earn revenue.

Imran should share his policies on restoration of bureaucracy and expansion of judiciary. Local government and city policing have failed in UK and USA. Despite criticism, District management system based on 13- line departments has saved Pakistan from complete meltdown of public services and policing. City policing has failed to win confidence of the public. Sialkot tragedy is the poster child of city policing. The use of armed forces in aid of police and reports of its mega corruption shows that police has failed to perform its duties independently. Therefore, it merits to be returned under district magistrate. The return of magistracy system will help hold police accountable, control crime and protect public. Furthermore, it is need of the hour to expand existing network of courts to bring culture of justice, accountability and transparency in the country.

Pakistan needs a clear foreign policy. All political party heads should spell out their policies on America, regional interests and energy corridors. Reportedly, several pipelines are ready to link Gulf States to Europe through Russia. It will strengthen causes of Palestine, Kashmir and Iran. By establishing road, rail and sea links with China, CARS and Russia, Pakistan can become gateway of Asia with Gwadar as its hub. It is real challenge for our leaders. It explains West’s support for puppet regimes. Imran needs to come up with a clear plan to win public support to succeed or else his fate will be no different than most leaders of the past.

Finally, the people of Pakistan know Imran Khan as a player and a social worker but they know very little about his views on economy, education or women rights. Similarly, our young generation knows very little about view of other political parties. Therefore it is need of the hour that leaders of major political parties make their views public on America, drone attacks, NRO, and judiciary so that public can stand up with them to promote democracy, protect national interests and strengthen Pakistan.

Let PTI explain its policies
 

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