PML-N manifesto unveiled: Shahbaz pledges to raise growth rate to over seven percent

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday unveiled the party manifesto for general elections 2018 with a pledge to aspire for economic transformation by raising the GDP growth rate to over 7 percent, expanding scope of investments, minimising losses in state-owned enterprises, eliminating poverty by 2030 through welfare programmes and enabling enterprise to create employment.
With the slogan of giving honour to vote and vote for service (Vote Ko Izzat Do, Khidmat Ko Vote Do), PML-N President Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at a news conference unfolded the manifesto while recounting achievements made by the PML-N government including generation of 11,000 MW of electricity, restoring law and order in the country from Khyber to Karachi and building infrastructure through CPEC and other mega projects in health, education, agriculture and social sectors.
Shahbaz also pledged through the PML-N manifesto to impart technical training to people; continue tax reforms to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 13pc to 16pc, create at least 100,000-200,000 jobs, expedite completion of long-term CPEC plan, promote value addition in agriculture and increase productivity through agro-based industry, announce a farmers support package, increase the size of the IT industry from $3.1 billion to $10bn, expand e-governance and citizen-centric services, bridge the digital divide by doubling the access to affordable broadband, scale up free public Wi-Fi hotspots to all major cities and increase representation of youth in democratic forums.
Shahbaz said: "People should see which party fulfilled its manifesto in 2013. Loadshedding and deteriorating security situation were the two biggest issues facing the public and the PML-N under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif eliminated both these problems. We worked alongside Pakistan armed forces to establish peace in the country including Karachi."
The PML-N President said main requirements which any country needs to follow in order to be able to stand on its feet include socio-economic protection, especially of those hailing from unprivileged backgrounds, then provision of health and education facilities and finally empowerment of the people. After giving protection to people, we need to empower them, he said.
Criticising the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, he said he cannot promise one billion jobs like the PTI, rather it has set realistic goal such as 100,000 jobs for people to curb unemployment. He said the PML-N would not succeed in the KPK as they destroyed the province during the last five years.
Shehbaz said: "Water will be the biggest challenge in the coming years." He said he is willing to work with all political parties to solve this issue. "PML-N's top most priority will be completion of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam," he said. The dam will include 4,500 MW of electricity in the national grid and solve problems pertaining to flash floods as well, he claimed. He said work is already underway on Dasu Dam which would generate cheap electricity.
Unfolding future plans if voted to power, Shahbaz said the PML-N will also launch low-cost housing schemes for those who can't afford houses of their own. "We would charge less interest on loans and make sure that people from poor backgrounds have their own homes." He said they would make legislation to bound banks to allocate loans for those who want to construct houses.
The PML-N is the second major party to make public its manifesto after the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).
Shahbaz Sharif in his address claimed that the PML-N had provided 11,000MW electricity to the national grid in its recently-concluded five-year tenure. He said 3000 MW was produced through CPEC, 5000 through LNG-based projects, Tarbela 1000 MW apart from wind, nuclear and Neelam Jhelum project. During the 66 years, 18000 MW was produced while in five years 5000 MW was produced despite impediments. He said billions of rupees were saved in different projects and asked the NAB and apex court to check the record. He said if anyone has done good job he must be rewarded while those who committed any wrong must be held accountable.
Highlighting achievements of the PML-N, Shahbaz said: "If voted to power as a result of 2018 general elections, we would expand self-employment scheme across the country, introduce health cards schemes, expand Zeewar Taleem Programme and introduce Educational Endowment Fund across the country.
Earlier, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb began the event by reading party supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's message.
Nawaz in his message said "Vote Ko Izaat Do" is not just a slogan but is a part of faith for him. "Politics of the PML-N does not just revolve around a slogan. It has substance in the struggle to build a strong Pakistan for which we have made a solemn commitment to serve selflessly."
Nawaz said the destiny of Pakistan and the PML-N is inextricably intertwined. "Pakistan is at a crossroad. Will the destiny of Pakistan be decided by a small coterie, a secretive cabal or a conspiratorial clique or the ordinary men and women of Pakistan by exercising their power of the ballot? I have full confidence that with the blessings of Almighty Allah, the people of Pakistan will again for the third time in the last 25 years support the cause which is just and righteous and which is the only way forward to build a better tomorrow for Pakistan. I have full confidence that we are on the right side of history and truth and we shall certainlly overcome these challenges. PML-N senior leaders Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, Saad Rafique, Hamza Shahbaz and others were also present on the occasion.