Positions of Political Parties on NEA · 2018. 1. 26. · 1 | Page Research Unit PBC 18 th March, 2013 (Updated to Include 2013 Election Manifestos of PPP, PML (N) & PTI) POSITIONS

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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

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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.

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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

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MARQUEE BRANDS

Bank Alfalah Limited

English Biscuit

Manufacturers

Millat Tractors Ltd.

Colgate Palmolive

JDW Sugar Mills Ltd.

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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.

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• 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.

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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.

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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

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DETAILED POSITIONS

OF MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES

ON PBC’S NEA

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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

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(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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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,

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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

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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;

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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


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

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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


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


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


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


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


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)


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


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


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


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


39 | P a g e


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


40 | P a g e


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

Documents

Positions of Political Parties on NEA · 2018. 1. 26. · 1 | Page Research Unit PBC 18 th March, 2013 (Updated to Include 2013 Election Manifestos of PPP, PML (N) & PTI) POSITIONS