PPP's 2018 manifesto is 2013 edition plus tweaks

Published
0

One of Dawn's editorials today dissects the PPP's recently unveiled 2018 manifesto and calls out the programme for basically being the 2013 copy plus minor tweaks.

In 2008, the party laid out similar plans. It vowed decisive action on water security, poverty alleviation, labour policy reform, energy security, empowerment of women, and enhancement of the rule of law. The 2013 document made almost identical commitments. — an excerpt

The manifesto is trite, gives short shrift to press freedom and women's rights, and makes vague statements regarding civil service reforms. But most of all, the editorial states, there are no guarantees of this manifesto being implemented because similar promises were made in 2008 and 2013 too but nothing, or very little, came of it.

So why should the PPP be believed to do what it didn't the last two go-rounds. There is a slight reason for optimism and his name is Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari — so says the editorial.

Read the full editorial here and the full manifesto here.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...