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1 | P a g e
Research Unit PBC
18th March, 2013
(Updated to Include 2013 Election Manifestos of
PPP, PML (N) & PTI)
POSITIONS OF MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES ON
NATIONAL ECONOMIC AGENDA (NEA)
M-02, Mezzanine Floor, Beaumont Plaza, 10 Beaumont Road, Karachi
Telephone: 35630528-29 Fax: 35630530 Website: www.pbc.org.pk
2 | P a g e
Disclaimer:
The data have been prepared by the Management of PBC from the information available on the websites of the Political Parties. As such, the published data does not reflect the
views of the Board of Directors and Members of the Pakistan Business Council or the companies they represent. Although every effort has been made to cross check and verify the
authenticity of the data used, the Management of Pakistan Business Council is unable to give a categoric assurance about its accuracy.
3 | P a g e
Background:
In April 2011 the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) presented to the senior leadership of the major political parties of Pakistan, the National Economic Agenda
(NEA). The NEA was the outcome of the PBC sponsored Pakistan Economic Forum (PEF). The PEF a gathering of Pakistan’s “intellectual elite” was tasked by the
PBC to identify debate and come up with solutions in five major areas of socio/economic importance to Pakistan. The five areas were; Education, Energy,
Macroeconomic Stability & Growth, Regional Trade and Social Protection.
Though the NEA was well received, it was felt by the PBC Board that closer to the next general elections it would be worthwhile to revisit the recommendations of
the NEA. The objective of the review being to try and ensure that for issues on which there is broad agreement among the various political parties, these should be
common to the manifestoes of major political parties.
This document presents a comparison of the NEA with the latest manifestos / positions of the six major political parties of Pakistan: Awami National Party (ANP)
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI)
The Pakistan Business Council (PBC)
The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) is a Section 42, Not-for-Profit Company setup under the Companies Act 1984. The PBC is a private sector business policy
advocacy forum setup in 2005 by 14 (now 38) of Pakistan’s largest businesses including multinationals. The PBC is neither a trade association nor a sector specific
body and as such only takes up issues which impact the broader national business environment.
The PBC is run by a fulltime paid CEO who reports to the Board, the Board consists of 14 directors including the CEO who are elected by the executive members.
The PBC follows to extent possible the Code of Corporate Governance as applicable to listed companies.
The PBC’s objectives include among others:
• To provide for the formation and exchange of views on any question connected with the conduct of business in and from Pakistan.
• to interact with governments in the economic development of Pakistan and to facilitate, foster and further the economic, social and human resource
development of Pakistan
More information on the PBC, its objectives and some of the current / past issues with which the PBC has been involved can be viewed at its website:
www.pbc.org.pk
PBC MEMBERS – PAKISTAN’S MARQUEE BRANDS
English Biscuit
Manufacturers
5 | P a g e
MARQUEE BRANDS
Bank Alfalah Limited
English Biscuit
Manufacturers
Millat Tractors Ltd.
Colgate Palmolive
JDW Sugar Mills Ltd.
7 | P a g e
National Economic Agenda
WE, the representatives of the people of Pakistan, after mutual consultations, have agreed to come together to develop a National Economic Agenda (NEA)
designed to promote economic welfare of all the citizens of Pakistan. WE believe that the adoption and implementation of this national economic agenda would lay
the foundation for:
� Sustained annual GDP growth rate in excess of 6% accelerating to 8% as reforms take hold and a virtuous cycle of increased savings and investments is put
into place.
� Reduction of inflation to a single digit level.
� Reduction in unemployment / underemployment rates.
� Substantive reduction in poverty through a combination of reduced inflation , higher job creation, significantly increased targeted social protection
programs and skill development of the people
� Elimination of load shedding and gas shortages
� Elimination of crowding out of private sector from the credit markets and enhancing the ability of the private sector to increase investment
� A 50% increase in the next five years in the percentage of children in this Country who enroll in, and stay in schools.
� Significant new economic opportunities because of greater integration of Pakistan’s economy in the larger regional economy
� An improvement in the underlying conditions which create both an internal and external security threat to the nation
To achieve the above WE, the Signatories, have identified the following Five Reform Areas that need to be urgently addressed:
1. Better Macroeconomic Management of the Economy;
• Reduction in the fiscal deficit to 3 – 4% of the GDP in the next three years through:
o Increase in the Tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 % in the next 5 years through better collection of existing taxes and a reform of the tax system by adopting the
principle of taxation regardless of source of income
o Bringing all sectors into a uniform documented tax net
o Setting a target of 10% Reduction in public sector waste both at the federal as well as the provincial level through implementation of the
recommendations of the National Commission on Government Reforms.
• Eliminating Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) losses by empowering professional boards and management to reform and restructure these institutions without
political interference.
8 | P a g e
• Eliminating non targeted subsidies and phasing out the role of government in commodity operations
• Once the fiscal situation stabilizes, gradually bringing down corporate tax rates to make them competitive with other emerging economies
2. Energy for Growth:
• Take urgent decisions to fast track the import of LNG
• Carry out an urgently needed revamp program for the existing assets in the power generation and distribution system.
• Rationalize price distortions between different fuel sources and different consumption segments
• Revisit the gas prices being offered to E&P companies to encourage accelerated exploration and development of indigenous gas resources.
• Carry out focused development work on other indigenous fuel sources particularly hydel and Thar coal.
• Put in place a structured program to deregulate the energy sector in the next 3-5 years.
• Have an integrated energy ministry which, with the help of the best professionals available in the field, should oversee the implementation of an integrated
energy plan.
3. Protecting the Poor:
• Ensure government spending on social protection is increased from under 1% of GDP to close to 3% of GDP which is close to the regional average.
• Subsidies intended for the poor should be targeted and monitored to ensure that the poor are the actual beneficiaries. All non targeted subsidies must be
eliminated
• Fully leverage the capacity created in the public-private partnerships as delivery vehicles for targeted programs for the poor.
• New social protection programs in the areas of nutrition , employment and health insurance need to be designed and implemented
• Rationalize and consolidate the existing social protection instruments to eliminate duplication and overlap.
9 | P a g e
4. Educating for the Future:
The current system of education will not be able to take the Country to the next level of development; a major shakeup is required before we are able to become
a knowledge economy or are able to put our young population to productive use. The major areas requiring immediate consensus are:
• The starting point is political will. Demonstrate at federal and provincial level that education is priority one
• Implementing legislation already in place to ensure that the government increases the education budget by at least 0.5% of GDP per annum so that it
reaches 5% of the GDP.
• Liaise with the provinces so that after the 18th Amendment provinces have a common curriculum.
• Retain HEC and modify its role in consonance with the provisions of the 18th amendment.
• Substantially increase scope of technical and vocational education
• Incentivize private / not-for-profit sector participation
• Mainstream Madrassah education
5. Regional Trade as a Growth Driver:
• Revisit the national security paradigm especially with respect to regional trade.
• Develop a strategy for trade policy to use it to strengthen linkages with our neighbors and beyond, the strategy to also include a policy to promote transit
trade.
• Invest in supporting infrastructure.
• Grant India MFN status
• Use the SAFTA framework to address non tariff barriers on both sides
• Creating an environment which fosters cross border investments
This consensus document has been signed with the People of Pakistan as witness that WE, the Signatories, and the political parties that WE represent are committed
to the objectives of this National Economic Agenda and that WE will work to ensure that it is implemented for the greater good of Pakistan and its Citizens.
11 | P a g e
Summary of Political Parties Positions Versus PBC’s NEA
SUMMARY
ANP1 MQM
2 PML(N)
3 PML(Q)
4 PPP
5 PTI
6
ENERGY ‘7’ Items 02 01 01 077 00 02 04 04
MACRO
ECONOMIC ‘7’ Items 00 04 02 07 00 03 04 07
REGIONAL
TRADE ‘5’ Items 02 01 02 03 01 02 02 01
SOCIAL
PROTECTION ‘5’ Items 02 02 02 04 03 03 02 04
EDUCATION ‘8’ Items 03 06 04 06 03 03 05 05
TOTAL ‘32” Items 09 (28%) 14 (44%) 1127 (35 84%) 07 (22%) 13 17 (41 53%) 21 (66%)
1 ANP Manifesto Dated August 09, 2008
2 MQM Manifesto 2008
3 PML(N) Manifesto March 2013
4 PML(Q) No date given
5 PPP Manifesto 2013
6 PTI Manifesto 2012
7 Change as per PML(N) Manifesto of March 2013
13 | P a g e
DETAILED POSITIONS
OF MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES
ON PBC’S NEA
15 | P a g e
MANIFESTOS V/S PBC’S NEA
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
ENERGY
Fast Track LNG
Imports
1. Expeditious
setting up of coal
and LNG import
terminals, and coal
transportation
facilities.
2. High priority to
import gas through
pipelines.
1. Promote the
import of LNG.
ENERGY
Revamp existing assets
in power generation &
distribution system
1. The recurring
power load
shedding to
industrial unit will
be addressed
1. Reforms of
distribution
companies
(DISCOs) through
corporatization and
privatization of
DISCOs.
2. Corporatization
and privatization of
each generating
company (GENCO)
under an
independent Board.
3. GENCOs assets
to be retrofitted to
ensure that thermal
efficiency is raised.
Replacement of all
furnace oil fired
boilers with coal
fired boilers
1. Restructure
WAPDA to
improve efficiency
of power
generation,
transmission and
distribution
16 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
(applicable to all
GENCOs and IPPs)
ENERGY
Rationalize price
distortions between
different fuel sources
and consumptions
sections
1. Supply gas to all
power plants that
can run on natural
gas.
2. Blanket ban on
the setting up of
new CNG stations
till gas crisis is
resolved.
3. Tariff
rationalization in
gas sector.
1. Develop a
commercially
viable power tariff
structure that
protects the weaker
sections of society
and generates
enough resources
for future
investment.
ENERGY
Revise prices being
offered to E&P
companies
1. Aggressive
wellhead pricing for
Oil and Gas
exploration
companies in order
to substantially
increase production
of oil and gas.
1. Encourage
foreign investment
by establishing
policies,
procedures, tax and
pricing regimes
with respect to
petroleum
exploration and
production and
provide an impetus
by modifying
current contracting
terms.
2. Promote the
tapping of tight gas
and low BTU
resources.
1. In the Oil and
coal sector,
encourage local
private sector in
extraction and
encourage joint
ventures with
foreign companies
ENERGY
Focused work on
other indigenous fuel
sources particularly
1. In favor of
investments in
small run of the
1. Development of
Thar coalfields and
setting up of 5,000
1. Collect wind and
solar energy data
1. Introduce a
policy with time
17 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
hydel and Thar coal river hydel
projects.
MW of new coal
fired power plants
under IPP mode in
Sindh.
2. Developing
consensus among
the various
stakeholders to
facilitate setting up
hydropower
projects by the
Federal and
Provincial
Governments.
3. Developing
alternate energy
sources especially
for off-grid and
micro-grid
applications.
throughout the
country and
prioritize green
energy in all
provinces in
coordination with
provincial
governments.
2. Provide
incentives to the
private sector for
building run-of-
river hydropower
plants.
3. Increase gas
supply by
encouraging
exploration in new
areas.
4. Reduce power
tariffs by increasing
the use of
hydroelectricity and
coal in the fuel mix.
bound objectives
for the promotion
of non-
conventional
sources of energy
such as wind and
solar power.
2. Introduce wind
and solar energy
wherever feasible
for supplying
power exclusively
to villages that
have no
electrification.
ENERGY
Deregulate the energy
sector in the next 3 -5
years
1. Power should be
a provincial
subject.
2. Distribution of
energy should be a
provincial subject.
3. Differential
between
1. Deregulate and
decentralize the
energy sector by
allowing small
power producers to
sell power directly
to consumers
through the
distribution systems
of DISCOs.
2. Decentralizing
1. Staff NEPRA
and OGRA with
professionals
selected through a
transparent process.
18 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
WAPDA’s cost of
hydel power and
sale price of
electricity needs to
be reduced
and creating a
wholesale market
for electricity.
ENERGY
Integrated Energy
Ministry to oversee an
integrated energy plan
1) Creation of a
Ministry of Energy
and Natural
Resources through
the merger of the
Ministries of Water
& Power and
Petroleum &
Natural Resources
Macro Economic
Stability &
Growth
Reduction in the fiscal
deficit to 3 – 4% in the
next three years
through:
1. Reduce non-
developmental
expenditures by
government
1. Budget deficit
will be brought
down to 4%
through:
a. Increase in Tax-
to-GDP ratio from
9% to 15% in 5
years.
b. One third
reduction in current
expenditures other
than salaries,
allowances and
pensions.
c. Reduction in
loses of SOEs
through revamping /
privatization.
d. Limiting
government
1. The budget
deficit will be
reduced by 2017 to
less than 4 percent
of GDP.
2. There will be
reduced borrowing
from the State Bank
and the government
will work on a
balanced monetary
and fiscal policy.
3. Follow prudent
policies to ensure
that there are no
current expenditure
overruns.
4. Inflation
inducing
expenditures with
1. Reduce non-
development
government
expenditure
19 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
borrowing.
2. With the
additional
provincial
autonomy under the
18th
Amendment
and the 7th
NFC
award, reducing
fiscal deficit is no
more the exclusive
domain of the
federal government;
the provinces must
contribute their
share.
low employment
and income impact
will be discouraged.
5. Debt
management policy
will be guided by
the principle of debt
sustainability, and
will entail measures
to keep fiscal
deficits small
enough that
government
borrowing supports
low interest rates,
checks inflationary
pressures and does
not crowd out funds
for private-sector
investment.
6. To reduce
government
expenditure, we
will promote video
conferencing and a
paperless
environment in the
public sector.
7. Circular debt is
to be eliminated
with vigilant
governance and
transmission losses
to be reduced to 15
percent
20 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
Macro Economic
Stability &
Growth
Increase Tax-to-GDP
ratio to 15% in the
next 5 years
1, Increase the
ratio of direct taxes
to indirect taxes
1. Increase Tax-to-
GDP ratio to 15%
by 2018 (5 years)
1. We will raise the
Tax-to-GDP ratio to
15% by 2017. We
will increase
revenues by
bringing into the
net elites that evade
taxes.
2. Rationalize the
tax regimes for
direct and indirect
taxes.
1. The share of
direct taxes in total
tax revenues is
raised through
taxation of wealth
and capital gains.
2. Revamp and
reinvent the tax
collection
machinery of the
FBR.
Macro Economic
Stability &
Growth
Bring all sectors into a
uniform documented
tax net
1. Tax all income
and achieve greater
equity in the tax
system by
increasing
dependence on
direct taxes.
1. Every sector of
the economy will
be required to
contribute its share
to the revenue pool
including
agriculture, the
stock market, real
estate, trade,
manufacturing and
the services sector.
1. Introduce a tax
system that allows
people to compute
their taxes easily.
Macro Economic
Stability &
Growth
Reduce by 10% public
sector waste through
implementation of
recommendations of
the National
Commission on
Government Reforms
1. Eliminate VIP
culture and launch
an austerity drive.
1. Civil service
reforms will be
instituted to
provide all
necessary support
to the civil
servants. (Total 8
action points)
Macro Economic Eliminate Public 1. Federating units 1. Reforming SOEs
21 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
Stability &
Growth
Sector losses by
empowering
professional boards &
management to reform
and restructure
will be engaged in
the privatization
process and given
a reasonable share
from the proceeds.
2. Trade unions of
employees would
be consulted before
the public assets
are privatized in
order to hedge
against subsequent
fall outs and to
safeguard the
interests of
employees.
through a
combination of
privatization and
restructuring is
fundamental.
2. Appoint
independent and
professional boards
who in turn will
appoint competent
CEOs of SOEs.
3. The immediate
task of the Boards
and CEOs will be to
manage these
corporations
effectively and to
plug the losses.
4. Identify
enterprises that
need to be
privatized, identify
targets to the
privatization
commission to
ensure completion
of the privatization
process within the
assigned time
frame.
5. Operational
standards will be
prescribed and
complete autonomy
will be given to
1. PTI believes that
privatization must
take place under
clear policy
guidelines by an
independent
privatization
commission that is
professionally run
and under the strict
surveillance of
parliament. Our
policy will ensure
that privatization is
held with all
possible
transparency and
with full public
consultation.
22 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
achieve them.
Macro Economic
Stability &
Growth
Phase out role of
government in
commodity operations
1. Mafias and
monopolies in case
of major
agricultural
products will be
done away with by
putting in place
appropriate
agricultural
marketing
strategies.
1. Strengthen the
procurement
program to ensure
all farmers receive
the guaranteed
support price for
grains and improve
arrangements for
storage and
subsidized
distribution to
ensure relative price
stability throughout
the year.
1. Announce an
agriculture policy at
the beginning of
each year fixing the
support price of
wheat, rice,
sugarcane and
cotton, and
specifying the
subsidies that are to
be provided for
inputs.
1. Allow free
movement of food
grains throughout
the Country.
Macro Economic
Stability &
Growth
Gradually bring down
corporate tax rates
1. No increase in
tax rates. Tax rates
will be reduced over
a period of time to
ensure regional
equity and to
encourage foreign
investment.
2. Sales tax to be
rationalized by
ensuring standard
rate for all items
and broadening the
scope of sales tax.
1. Progressively
reduce federal
taxes to five in all
at reasonable rates.
Regional Trade
Revisit the national
security paradigm
especially with respect
to regional trade
1. ANP believes
the natural market
for Pukhtunkhwa is
Afghanistan & the
Central Asian
1. MQM
encourages
confidence
building measures
and dialogue
1. The PML(N) is
committed to a
thorough and
comprehensive
review of our
national security
1. The country’s
defense and foreign
policy function
closely with each
other and this
1. Promote
regional peace with
all neighboring
countries based on
sovereign equality,
23 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
Republics. Every
measure will be
taken to increase
bilateral and
multilateral trade
links with them.
2. Friendly and
peaceful relations
with all countries
particularly with
neighbors.
3. Establishment of
peaceful,
cooperative good
neighborly
relations with India
will be given high
priority.
process with India
and desires peace
and close
cooperation
between countries
of South Asia
especially in
economic field as
to provide peace,
progress and
prosperity to one
fifth population of
the World living in
this region
and foreign policy,
to bring it in
consonance with the
hopes and
aspirations of the
people.
foreign policy
should protect
interests of the state
as well as reflect
the aspirations of
the people.
2. The PML would
like to strengthen
relations with our
traditional friends
like China, promote
peace in the region,
especially South
Asia and Central
Asia.
mutual benefit and
non-interference in
each other’s
internal affairs.
2. Work towards
peaceful co-
existence with
India based on
sovereign equality,
and a just solution
of outstanding
disputes.
Regional Trade
Develop a strategy for
a trade policy and to
use it to strengthen
linkages with our
neighbors and beyond,
strategy to also cover
transit trade
1. Use of
diplomacy as a tool
for promoting the
country’s
economic and trade
interests,
diversifying its
market and
attracting foreign
investment
1. PML(N)’s trade
negotiations with
international players
including World
Trade Organization
(WTO) will be
aimed at
establishing a rule
based and
transparent global
trading regime
2. Institutional
relationship will be
created to ensure
1. Seek greater
cooperation with
and participation in
all regional and
Asian forums, and
continue to pursue
the goals of
promoting an Asian
common market
that can attract
investment, create
jobs and build
bridges of peace
and trade across
South Asia
1. Closely
coordinate our
negotiating
position on WTO
matters with
likeminded
countries
24 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
close coordination
between the
Ministries of
Foreign Affairs,
Commerce and
Economic Affairs.
Regional Trade
Invest is supporting
infrastructure
1. A Bureau of
Infrastructure
Development (BID)
will be established
to coordinate and
oversee the program
for private sector
participation in
infrastructure
development and to
develop financing
schemes.
1. Prioritize large-
scale infrastructure
programmes to
modernize and
expand roads,
bridges, canals and
dams
Regional Trade
Grant India MFN
status
Regional Trade
Use SAFTA
framework to address
non-tariff barriers on
both sides
Regional Trade
Create an
environment that
fosters cross border
investments
Social Protection
Increase government
spending on social
protection from under
1. ANP will aim to
allocate at least 6%
of the GDP to
1. Public
expenditure on
health will be
1. In cooperation
with the provinces,
the PML (N)
1. Progressively
double state
spending on health;
25 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
1% to close to 3% health.
increased from
0.6% to 4.0% of
the GDP during
next five years.
Government will
raise the total
spending on non-
pension social
protection from the
current level of 1%
of GDP to at least
2% by 2018.
establish a
threshold for
setting up of basic
health units in
order to extend the
facility to the
village level.
Social Protection
All non-targeted
subsidies to be
withdrawn
1. Replace most
untargeted subsidies
with targeted
subsidies and
establish dynamic
mechanisms for
targeting to ensure
that system is
transparent and
verifiable.
1. The PML will
establish a state
supported Skills
Promotion Trust to
generate easily
available small
loans for persons
desirous of
transforming their
skills for generating
incomes of self
held basis.
1. The politics of
subsidies needs a
massive overhaul.
PPP will rationalize
the subsidies in
favor of the poor
without
squandering state
resources on those
sections of society
who have the
financial means to
support themselves.
2. Increase BISP
monthly cash
transfers to Rs.2,
000, pegged to
inflation annually.
BISP in the next 5
years will be
transformed from a
poverty alleviation
program to a
comprehensive
social security
system. Health
security will also be
1. Rationalize
subsidies to protect
weaker sections of
society.
26 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
included within its
ambit.
3. Encourage the
provincial
governments to
provide matching
grants for the BISP.
4. Further increase
the network of
Utility Stores across
the Country.
5. Strengthen social
security, the EOBI
and Workers
Welfare Fund and
ensure that workers
are registered in
these institutions.
Social Protection
Leverage capacity
created in the public-
private partnerships as
delivery vehicles for
targeted programs for
the poor.
1. Create public-
private partnership
to take full
advantage of the
capacity already
built by a large
number of
community
organizations to
respond to
emergencies and
national calamities.
Social Protection New social protection
programs in the areas
1. ANP will strive
1. Health insurance
1. Ensure universal
1. The PML aims to
1. The PPP will
1. Target to
27 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
of nutrition,
employment and
health insurance need
to be designed and
implemented
to provide health
facilities to all
citizens. In this
respect various
options including
insurance schemes,
privatization etc
will be considered.
2. ANP will
emphasize on child
and mother care,
provision of clean
drinking water and
preventive
medicine.
schemes will be
introduced by the
Government for all
citizens giving
priority to senior
citizens.
2. Mother and
Child-Care centers
will be setup in
each district.
3. Every possible
step must be taken
to supply safe
drinking water to
each and every
soul in cities, town
and villages.
access to affordable
food grains in all
parts of the country
by legislating the
“Right to Food” as
a fundamental right.
2. Introduce a
transparent system
of income support
program for needy
families with
income below the
prescribed limit
with a special focus
on widows, orphans
and the girl child
3. Undertake special
labor intensive
employment
programs especially
in areas affected by
insurgency and
natural disasters
based on small
infrastructure or
rehabilitation
projects.
have a National
Health Service
backed by
sustained
investment in
hospitals to provide
better treatment to
the patients.
2. A clean drinking
water taskforce
would also be
established to
ensure that the
overwhelming
majority of
Pakistan’s
population has
access to clean
water.
3. The PML will
also set up a food
safety commission
for the prevention
of adulteration and
preservation of
better standards for
food hygiene.
provide relief to the
poor and the
unemployed
through the Peoples
Employment
Program which will
have two
components; a) The
Public Works
Program and b) The
Educated Youth
Employment
Scheme.
2. Propose an
increase in state
spending on health
of 5 percent of
consolidated
government
spending by end of
next term.
3. Introduce
nutrition
supplements for
children, adolescent
girls and pregnant
women,
4. A comprehensive
national health
insurance program
for the
underprivileged
will be introduced.
achieve 100%
immunization of
children against
preventable
diseases.
2. Policy emphasis
on preventive
healthcare
particularly in
communicable and
infectious diseases.
3. Ensure universal
access to clean
drinking water in
all villages and
urban slums by
setting up water
filtration plants.
4. Encourage
public-private
partnership under a
policy which
provides affordable
healthcare services.
5. Introduce low-
cost health
insurance schemes
and concessional
health care
schemes for the
elderly and poor
28 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
Social Protection
Rationalize and
consolidate the
existing social
protection instruments
to eliminate
duplication and
overlap
1. The PML also
plans to upgrade
and expand the
existing health care
structure of the
country, especially
focusing on the far
flung and less
developed regions
of the country.
1. Introduce
integrated
comprehensive
population welfare
programmes to
improve the impact
of existing projects
by expanding
coverage and
improved
management
Education
Demonstrate at federal
and provincial level
that education is
priority one.
1. The state is
obliged to provide
free education up
to primary level
and at affordable
costs thereafter
1. Make education
compulsory for
each and every
child and would be
available free up to
matriculation or its
equivalent level.
1. Education must
become number one
national priority.
2. National
Education
Emergency will be
declared to
eradicate illiteracy
on war footing.
3. A national
literacy movement
will be launched.
4. In consultation
with provinces
initiate legislation
to provide 100%
enrollment up to
middle level and
80% universal
literacy.
4. A uniform
1. Education,
PML’s number one
priority, is central
to building a
modern developed
society and the
Pakistan Muslim
League will seek to
ensure free and
universal primary
education.
2. The PML also
makes a
commitment for
mass literacy in the
country within the
next 10 years.
3. The existing
educational
1. Ensure that
education is treated
as a national
emergency.
1. Provide free
education to girls
up to Matric.
29 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
system of education
will be introduced.
institutions will be
improved and
upgraded from
primary to
secondary, from
secondary to higher
secondary and from
schools to colleges.
Education
Implement legislation
already in place to
ensure that the
government increases
the spending on
education by at least
0.5% of GDP per
annum so that it
reaches 5% of GDP
1. ANP will aim to
allocate at least 6%
of the GDP to
education
1. Increase
expenditure in
education from
2.2% to 5% of
GDP during the
next five years.
2. Minimum 20%
of the Provincial &
District
government’s
expenditure is
allocated for
education.
3. New schools,
colleges,
universities,
professional and
vocational
institutions in
cities, towns and
villages throughout
the country will be
established.
1. Increased
resources will be
allocated for
education sector
ensuring proper and
timely utilization of
funds to reach the
UNESCO target of
4% of GDP by
2018.
1. Commit 4.5% of
GDP to education
by the end of the
next term.
2. Back up
constitutional
mandates with
fiscal allocations
that prioritize
universal basic
education.
1. Progressively
increase state
spending on
education from less
than 1.5% of five
percent of GDP.
2. Launch a
national literacy
campaign by
mobilizing all
segments of the
society including
fresh graduates,
unemployed youth
and retired
educationists to
achieve 80 percent
functional literacy
Education Liaise with the
provinces so that after
the 18th
Amendment
1. The syllabus
would be amended
according to our
1. National
Curriculum Council
1. Carry out
comprehensive
curriculum and
1. Abolish
educational
apartheid by
30 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
provinces have a
common curriculum
national
requirements and
the needs of
modern age
shall be established
comprising of
eminent public and
private sector
experts to review
national curriculum
and bring it to
international
standards.
2. A detailed action
plan will be
formulated to
upgrade the
capacity of
provincial
governments for the
effective handling
of additional
responsibilities
entrusted to them
under the 18th
Amendment.
academic reform.
2. Try and bridge
the gap between
private and public
schooling by
building a National
Education
Standards Council
for all provinces to
coordinate efforts.
introducing a
common core
syllabus for all
schools.
Education Substantially increase
scope of technical and
vocational training
1. Reform of the
education system
to ensure that skill
development and
vocational training
starts at an early
stage.
1. Vocational and
technical education
will be promoted,
especially in rural
areas.
2. Efforts will be
made to integrate
vocational training
with mainstream
education.
3. At least one
world class
1. Vocational and
technical education
would be
encouraged so that
education is linked
to enhancement of
skills.
1 Emphasize skill
development,
training and
workforce
development by
strengthening and
enhancing the
National Vocational
and Technical
Training
Commission
(NAVTTC) and its
1. Offer tax
incentives to
industry in general
industry in general
and agri-based
industry in
particular for
investment in
vocational and
technical education
in the rural areas.
31 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
technology
university will be
established in each
province.
provincial
counterparts.
Education Incentivize private /
not-for-profit sector
participation
1. The private
educational
institutions would
be regulated.
2. Adopt a school
policy will be
encouraged.
1. Formulate a
policy to
encourage public-
private partnership
in expanding the
network of
educational
institutions and in
improving their
standards.
Education Mainstream
Madrassah education
1. The madrassas
need to be
provided all out
incentives to bring
their syllabus and
standard of
teaching in
conformity with
the main stream
education
1. Madrassas will
be provided
financial assistance
and other incentives
to bring their
syllabus and
standards in
conformity with the
mainstream
education.
2. Vocational
training will be
offered to them to
encourage them to
become
entrepreneurs.
1. The sector of
Madrassah
education is highly
neglected and the
PML would seek to
provide all facilities
and financial
support for
modernization of
Madrassah’s
especially in
curriculum. The
Madrassah students
will therefore be
able to benefit from
both religious
education as well as
the education
1. Initiate madrassa
reforms with the
help of madrassa
councils to
modernize their
education systems.
32 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
provided by other
schools.
Education Revamp Exam Boards
and Textbook boards
1. The examination
system would be
made more
transparent and in
accordance with
the requirements
and standards of
modern age
1. Examination
system will be
improved by
making it more
transparent, reliable
and in line with
international
standards.
Education
Retain HEC & modify
its role under the 18th
Amendment
1. The HEC be
given greater
autonomy and the
required financial
resources to ensure
adequate standards
in Higher Education
and inter provincial
coordination in such
matters as
curriculum and
scientific research.
33 | P a g e
SCORECARD – MAJOR POLITICAL
PARTIES POSITIONS ON PBC’S
NATIONAL ECONOMIC AGENDA (NEA)
35 | P a g e
SCORECARD – MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES POSITIONS ON PBC’S NATIONAL ECONOMIC AGENDA (NEA)
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
ENERGY
Fast Track LNG
Imports
N/A8 N/A √ N/A √ N/A
ENERGY
Revamp existing assets
in power generation &
distribution system
N/A √ √ N/A N/A √
ENERGY
Rationalize price
distortions between
different fuel sources
and consumptions
sections
N/A N/A √ N/A N/A √
ENERGY
Revise prices being
offered to E&P
companies N/A N/A √ N/A √ √
ENERGY
Focused work on
other indigenous fuel
sources particularly
hydel and Thar coal
√ N/A √ N/A √ √
ENERGY
Deregulate the energy
sector in the next 3 -5
years
√ N/A √ N/A √ N/A
ENERGY
Integrated Energy
Ministry to oversee an
integrated energy plan
N/A N/A √ N/A N/A N/A
8 N/A represents position not available in latest available manifesto
36 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
Macro Economic
Stability & Growth
Reduction in the fiscal
deficit to 3 – 4% in the
next three years
through:
N/A9 √ √ N/A √ √
Macro Economic
Stability & Growth
Increase Tax-to-GDP
ratio to 15% in the
next 5 years
N/A √ √ N/A √ √
Macro Economic
Stability & Growth
Bring all sectors into a
uniform documented
tax net
N/A N/A √ N/A √ √
Macro Economic
Stability & Growth
Reduce by 10% public
sector waste through
implementation of
recommendations of
the National
Commission on
Government Reforms
N/A N/A √ N/A N/A √
Macro Economic
Stability & Growth
Eliminate Public
Sector losses by
empowering
professional boards &
management to reform
and restructure
N/A √ √ N/A N/A √
9 N/A represents position not available in latest available manifesto
37 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
Macro Economic
Stability & Growth
Phase out role of
government in
commodity operations
N/A10 √ √ N/A √ √
Macro Economic
Stability & Growth
Gradually bring down
corporate tax rates N/A N/A √ N/A N/A √
Regional Trade
Revisit the national
security paradigm
especially with respect
to regional trade
√ √ √ √ N/A √
Regional Trade
Develop a strategy for
a trade policy and to
use it to strengthen
linkages with our
neighbors and beyond,
strategy to also cover
transit trade
√ N/A √ N/A √ √
Regional Trade
Invest is supporting
infrastructure
N/A N/A √ N/A √ N/A
Regional Trade
Grant India MFN
status
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Regional Trade
Use SAFTA
framework to address
non-tariff barriers on
both sides
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
10
N/A represents position not available in latest available manifesto
38 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
Regional Trade
Create an
environment that
fosters cross border
investments
N/A11 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Social Protection
Increase government
spending on social
protection from under
1% to close to 3%
√ √ √ N/A N/A √
Social Protection
All non-targeted
subsidies to be
withdrawn
N/A N/A √ √ √ √
Social Protection
Leverage capacity
created in the public-
private partnerships as
delivery vehicles for
targeted programs for
the poor.
N/A N/A √ N/A N/A N/A
Social Protection
New social protection
programs in the areas
of nutrition,
employment and
health insurance need
to be designed and
implemented
√ √ √ √ √ √
Social Protection
Rationalize and N/A N/A N/A √ N/A √
11
N/A represents position not available in latest available manifesto
39 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
consolidate the
existing social
protection instruments
to eliminate
duplication and
overlap
Education
Demonstrate at federal
and provincial level
that education is
priority one.
√ √ √ √ √ √
Education
Implement legislation
already in place to
ensure that the
government increases
the spending on
education by at least
0.5% of GDP per
annum so that it
reaches 5% of GDP
√ √ √ N/A12
√ √
Education
Liaise with the
provinces so that after
the 18th
Amendment
provinces have a
common curriculum
N/A √ √ N/A √ √
Education
Substantially increase
scope of technical and
vocational training
√ X √ √ √ √
12
N/A represents position not available in latest available manifesto
40 | P a g e
Issue PBC NEA ANP MQM PML(N) PML(Q) PPP PTI
Education
Incentivize private /
not-for-profit sector
participation
N/A √ N/A N/A N/A √
Education
Mainstream
Madrassah education N/A √ √ √ √ N/A
Education
Revamp Exam Boards
and Textbook boards N/A √ √ N/A N/A N/A
Education
Retain HEC & modify
its role under the 18th
Amendment
N/A √ √ N/A N/A N/A