A Look at PMLN 99 Days

For the first time in the history of Pakistan, a democratic government completed its term in the Parliament, held the elections and peacefully handed over the government to the winners. This peaceful transition did not happen just like that. It happened after much struggle and lessons that were learnt the hard way unfortunately. The politics a few years ago was quite harsh and favoring even a good decision by the government was impossible for the opposition parties because the fallout could be heavy.

But this time, both the big players of Pakistani politics, Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan People’s Party left no space for the undemocratic forces. Credit must be given to the main opposition party that did not get carried away with the allegations of friendly opposition. PMLN and Nawaz Sharif had to face serous criticism from different quarters yet the party and its leader did not change the course. They decided to ask for votes based on their performance and it finally paid off.

PMLN won simple majority in the Elections held in May 2013 and the government seems to be on

a mission ever since it has taken over. Democratic norms and principles that Mian Nawaz Sharif had followed while being in the Opposition were carried forward as Nationalists were allowed to make Government for the first time in Baluchistan and the ruling party in the Center also lent its hand to the Nationalists which never happened in the past. At the same time, the fiercest critique of PMLN, Imran Khan and his party was allowed to form government in the province of KPK while PMLN had the option to form its own. These gestures have certainly taken the democracy a step forward and we hope that this process will never be reversed.

The main point on which the PMLN had raised its Election campaign on was energy crises and when the time to deliver on the promises came, it was up to the mark. While there was only 8000 Mega Watt electricity being produced during the last tenure, the production was increased to 17000 Mega Watts. Paying the circular debts off helped and several new projects have also been started. The first official visit that the Prime Minister made after holding his office was to China and various power generation projects were agreed upon between the two countries. 2200 Mega Watt Nuclear Power Plant will also be set up according to the agreement signed during this visit. First ever Energy Policy was also given during these 99 days.

Gaddani Power Prjoect, Expansion of the existing dams, reinstatement of Nandipur Power Project and starting work on the construction of new big and small dams have marked the government’s priorities. Pakistan is going through serious energy crises and the government has set up a target of meeting the needs by the end of this tenure and leaving enough space for the coming governments that they are able to plan for the future in this regard. It can be predicted that if the current government gets success in curbing the menace of load shedding during this tenure, it’ll be a huge benefit for it in raising its next election campaign.

Pak China Economic Corridor is yet another master stroke by the current government. Currently the balance of payments is pre-dominantly in China’s favor between the two countries but if this policy is implemented there will be better prospects for Pakistan. The MoU signed between Pakistan and China in this regard estimates the trade to be 15 billion dollars between the two countries through it.

The United Kingdom has agreed to invest seventy billion (70 billion) dollars in the Education sector of Pakistan during the next five years. It was only possible because of great efforts put in by the Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Shehbaz Sharif during the last tenure. His efforts were admired by the British officials at a number of occasions and it was due to this goodwill that the UK has agreed to invest such a large amount in this sector. 

Karachi is burning. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost during the last five years and the numbers are growing every new day. PMLN had promised to do all it can to resolve Karachi issue and set to work immediately after coming to power, one of the major breakthroughs that the government has made during its first 99 days also includes consensus of all the parties on the resolution of Karachi issues. An operation has already been launched in the city and the Police and Rangers have been given free hand by the Government to take care of the matter and deal with the terrorists with an iron hand.

The APC was called by the Government on the War on Terror and all the major stakeholders were asked to represent their parties. All presented their points of view and it was agreed upon that a dialogue will be carried out with the Taliban initially peace would be given a chance. The peace process is now backed by all the political and military stakeholders and it is hoped that it will be a success this time.

A major crackdown has been launched against the power and energy theft throughout the country and major gains have been noted. The major drop in the load shedding was also witnessed in the country and this is one of the major reasons that have helped the government to insure minimum load shedding.

It is a fact that industrialists, journalists, politicians and bureaucrats are bought by the governments to forge the facts and help their governments to sustain but being committed to maintaining transparency in all its operations, PMLN’s government has abolished the secret funds of all the ministries within the first 99 days except the Security Agencies’ Secret Funds. To insure the transparency and smooth functioning of the government owned enterprises this government has set up independent transparent commission to select the CEOs of these institutions.

The previous government never seemed serous in implementing the orders by the courts but as a clear gesture to highlight its commitment with the cause of the free judiciary in the country PMLN government made eminent lawyer Munir A Malik its Attorney General who was the President of Supreme Court Bar Association in 2007 and the man who announced to launch the Lawyers’ Movement when General (r) Musharraf tried to sack the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

It is also the first government to engage all the stakeholders and finally devise a National Security Policy and the fruits of which will be more visible in the days to come. An institution is to be set up in the days to come which will ensure smooth communication between the government, relevant ministries, security agencies and law enforcement agencies.

Major drop in the load shedding, Providing tooth and nail to the Security apparatus of the country, new agreements with China in the field of energy, UK’s investment in Education sector, willingness of several countries in the investment in almost all the sectors of the country, sky-rocketed Karachi stock exchange, huge profits in Railways and agreements for mega projects like Bullet Train and Gwadar-Kashghar Trade Channel have jelled in to give a solid start to the government. Nawaz Sharif’s third innings has started off in style. We hope that the excellent performance of the first ninety nine days is carried forward.

Post by PML(N).