‘Sab ki salary double hogi’; Bilawal Unveils Ambitious 10-Point Election Manifesto

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari presented an ambitious 10-point election manifesto during a public gathering in the party stronghold Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 16th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

The manifesto, outlined on Wednesday, aims to establish a “pro-people” government after the upcoming February 8 elections.

Here’s a breakdown of what Bilawal promised his party would do if they came into power:
• Double salaries within five years
• Free solar energy of 300 units for the poor; every district to have green energy parks
• Education for all — rolling out projects for better education
• Free health for all across Pakistan
• Three million houses for flood affectees and the poor
• Expand BISP’s scope; introducing more welfare schemes
• BSIP-like programme for farmers and ‘Hari Card’
• Enhanced support for labourers through Benazir Mazdoor Card
• ‘Youth Card’ for unemployed youth and ‘Youth Markaz’
• ‘Bhook Mitao Programme’

چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری کا قوم کے نام پیغام

پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی حکومت بناکر
۱: تنخواہوں میں دوگنا اضافہ
۲: غریب ترین عوام کو 300 یونٹ تک مفت بجلی کی فراہمی
۳: ہر اضلاع میں گرین پارکس بناکر کم قیمت پر بجلی کی فراہمی
۴: عالمی طرز کے تعلیمی ادارے
۵: مفت… pic.twitter.com/jnIdrnP4YL

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) December 27, 2023

At the core of the agenda is a commitment to double salaries and provide 300 free units of electricity per household. This goal is to be achieved through the creation of green energy parks in every district, focusing on harnessing solar and wind energy sources.

In addition to economic measures, Bhutto-Zardari pledged to overhaul the health sector by replicating successful models such as NICVD, SIUT, and the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences across the country. Another significant project, titled ‘Apni Zamin, Apna Ghar,’ aims to construct three million houses nationwide.

The manifesto also includes provisions for free education, the expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the introduction of Hari and Benazir Mazdoor Cards, and the establishment of youth centers in all divisional headquarters for career counseling and skill development.

Bhutto-Zardari called for public support to navigate the current crisis, expressing confidence in the PPP’s ability to address national issues and strengthen the federation. Reflecting on the party’s past achievements, he highlighted the devolution of powers through the 18th Amendment and the successful implementation of the NFC award.

The PPP chairman criticized certain politicians without naming them, accusing them of engaging in politics to evade legal challenges and jail time.

“I had told my team that I wanted to contest from Lahore. I’ll take the battle to Lahore. Let’s see what happens,” he said.

“Is it Lahore’s destiny that the same person will be installed for the fourth time?” Bilawal said while taking a jibe at the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, who is eying a record-fourth term as the country’s prime minister.

“Our paths are different with that of those we were in government for 16 months,” Bilawal said while referring to the PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government of which the PPP was a key part.

Former President Asif Ali Zardari, speaking on the occasion, reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the promises made by his son. He criticized the central administration in Islamabad for its detachment from the struggles of the common people, contrasting it with the PPP’s “people-centric” approach.

"انشاء ﷲ پاکستان کو ہم بنائیں گے، ہمارا مقصدصرف یہ ہی ہے کہ عوام کو حقوق ملیں، غریبوں کو حقوق ملیں، عوام کو پانی ملے، اناج ملے، ملک میں نہروں کی لائینگ ہو ڈیمز بنے، تھر سرسبزو شاداب ہو، بلوچستان اور گلگت بلتستان کو سیراب کیا جائے، گلگت بلتستان سے چائینہ براہ راست تجارت شروع کی… pic.twitter.com/BH9ohwJvcA

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) December 27, 2023