Upon reading the manifestos of the leading parties, one is struck by their similarities. The differences appear relatively minor, more in form than in substance.

They all champion the cause of the underprivileged and neglected, competing in concession and subsidies in health, education, housing and utilities if voted to power. However, none of them offer a workable plan to alter the system that perpetuates poverty and generates a poor population.

The growing inequality, economic, regional, gender, etc, undermining structures at their core, did not receive the attention it deserved despite its profound social, political, and economic consequences.

There is a shared perspective among political parties regarding inflation and unemployment. Instead of tracking the root causes of these critical issues, the emphasis is on promising immediate relief through doubling wages/salaries.

Read the full article by Dawn’s Afshan Subohi here.