PML (N) launches manifesto focusing judiciary Restoration
'Pakistan Times' Political Desk

LAHORE: PML (N) Friday launched its manifesto for general election-2008 with a pledge for restoration of judiciary, sustainable democracy and provincial autonomy provided in Constitution 1973.

Presenting the manifesto at a crowded press conference here at Model Town, PML (N) chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that this document pledges law abiding executive, vibrant economy with special emphasis on minimising gap between rich and poor and free media.

The manifesto has promised provision of jobs, reduction in poverty through various measures, reforms in education,health and agriculture sectors, revival of genuine democracy,rule of law, good governance, eliminating corruption and stoppage of interference of military leadership in the politics.

The manifesto has also promised taking measures for the supremacy of constitution and parliament, consensus on NFC award, checking menace of extremism, industrial development, and protecting rights of women, youth, labour and minorities.

Former chief minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif, former Finance ministers- Sartaj Aziz and Ishaq Dar were present on the occasion. Former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif hailed the efforts of President Supreme Court Bar Association Aitezaz Ahsan, Justice ® Tariq Mahmood, Ali Ahmad Kurd, Munir A. Malik, other lawyers, students and members of civil society for cause of the independence of judiciary.

The former prime minister said that PML-N wanted to remove poverty by increasing social and economic activities in the country.

Criticising the previous government’s economic policies, he said, “In our tenure, we had introduced such economic policies that former Indian prime minister wished to implement them in his country and he had also sent a team to Pakistan in this regard in year 1991-92.”

“We had built motorways, airports, highways, promoted tourism in Northern Areas and introduced Yellow Cab scheme, while in government,” he said.

Nawaz also held responsible the previous government for its failure to control price-hike in the country.

“Our manifesto calls for maximum relief to the poor in utility bills and measures to overcome the menace of price-hike,” he mentioned.

To a question, Nawaz said that PML-N would increase minimum wages to Rs 5,000 per month, in 2008.

He said that manifesto suggested to ensure free education in public institutions up to intermediate and 100 percent enrolment rate up to matric level.

Nawaz said that PML would ensure the dignity, respect and protection granted by Islam to women as well as their participation in the national politics.

He said that a commission would also be set up to look into complaints of religious discrimination against minorities, besides steps to create harmony between federation and the provinces.

He said that PML-N believed in the freedom of expression and would continue to advocate and support this cause.

Talking about PML-N viewpoint on foreign policy, he said that all issues including Kashmir must be resolved in line with UN resolutions and aspiration of Kashmiris. PML-N also calls for making to deal with the menace of terrorism including involvement of the people of respective tribal areas in the politics process.●