THE Pakistan People’s Party and Muslim League Nawaz ruled the country for more than 11 years, but could neither eliminate corruption nor reduce poverty. Both parties also failed to establish educational and health institutions despite tall claims. Both parties, however, did take a few measures — cosmetic — to help the less fortunate.

The PPP government issued Benazir Income Support Programme cards meant to provide relief to the poor. Similarly, the PML-N set up a Zakat and Baitul Maal for the poor to receive money from these funds. In my opinion these are mere cosmetic measures for social uplift.

Our leaders don’t seem to understand that no one ever became independent and prosperous by living on charity. Our leaders must inculcate in the people the habit of working hard to earn a livelihood among the downtrodden.

Now Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has assumed power promising to alleviate human suffering and raise society above poverty level. One is keen to see what steps the PTI takes to tackle the menace of poverty.

Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2019