PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. — File photo

1.    The recent raise in prices of petroleum products be withdrawn. A mechanism be devised under which prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene are changed without adversely affecting the common man. Immediate steps be taken for eliminating electricity and gas loadshedding and a national policy on the issue be announced. 2.    Government ministers and functionaries facing corruption charges be sacked and competent and honest people be appointed in their place in a transparent manner.

3.    Loan waivers granted on political basis be withdrawn.

4.    To lessen the burden on the masses, a policy be formulated for fixing prices of items of daily use. A mechanism be devised to control prices of such items.

5.    All court judgments be implemented, including the one on the National Reconciliation Ordinance.

6.    Election Commission be reconstituted to ensure fair elections.

7.    Government expenditures be reduced by 30 per cent and the number of ministers be reduced.

8.    Government-run organisations such as PIA, Steel Mills, OGDC, PSO, NHA and CDA be restructured so that the nation is rid of corruption and losses of billions. Management boards comprising competent and honest officials be appointed in a transparent manner to run these national institutions. Immediate measures be taken to eliminate leakages in Federal Board of Revenue.

9.    People behind the Haj, NILC, Agosta submarine, Steel Mills, Bank of Punjab, NLC and other scams be put in the dock.

10.    An independent accountability commission be set up.

Opinion

The Dar story continues

The Dar story continues

One wonders what the rationale was for the foreign minister — a highly demanding, full-time job — being assigned various other political responsibilities.

Editorial

Wheat protests
Updated 01 May, 2024

Wheat protests

The government should withdraw from the wheat trade gradually, replacing the existing market support mechanism with an effective new one over the next several years.
Polio drive
01 May, 2024

Polio drive

THE year’s fourth polio drive has kicked off across Pakistan, with the aim to immunise more than 24m children ...
Workers’ struggle
Updated 01 May, 2024

Workers’ struggle

Yet the struggle to secure a living wage — and decent working conditions — for the toiling masses must continue.
All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...