A. MAJOR ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS 1993-96

· Increased GDP growth rate from 2.4% per annum in 1993 to 6.1% per annum in 1996.

· Reduced budget deficit from 9.5% of GDP to less than 6% of GDP and successfully negotiated waivers from IMF for faster deficit reductions. This allowed the Peoples Government to introduce far ranging social programmes in the health and education sectors, to provide employment to hundreds of thousands and to ensure that increases in utilities and other user prices are kept to a minimum. The target in 1996-97 was 4.7%;

· Reduced non-development expenditure as a % of GDP allowing the Government to increase allocations to the social sectors;

· Increased the education budget to 300 % above that in October 1993;

· Increased the health budget by 65 % above that in October 1993;

· Electrified 18,000 towns and villages at a rate five times that of the PML-N Government;

· Provided gas connections to over 1.5 million consumers in cities, towns and villages;

· Provided employment to hundreds of thousands of people;

· Increased foreign exchange reserves to $2.4 billion in June 1996. When the Peoples Government was unconstitutionally removed on November 5, 1996, these foreign exchange reserves were still double those left by the PML-N Government;

· Lowered tariffs to 55%;

· Defence expenditure as a percentage of GDP declined;

· Obtained firm contractual commitment of US$ 8 billion private investment in the fields of power, petroleum and chemicals with over US$ 3 billion being received in Pakistan from 1993;

· Announced and implemented a Power Policy ending 15 years of load-shedding. An independent assessment made by a high level mission of international lending institution has indicated that Pakistan's energy sector policy has led to investment commitments of more than $ 6 billion which is more than the combined investment attracted by Eastern European countries since demise of the Soviet Union or by China in its energy sector in the same period. This is a clear testimony to the success of the policies adopted by the Peoples Government, which laid the foundation of a solid economic revival in the country;

· Announced and implemented a Petroleum Policy which in 3 years from 1993 led to the signing of 50 agreements with national and international companies as against only three agreements in 1992-93 for the exploration for oil and gas in Pakistan involving investment of over $581 million. When the Peoples Government was removed an additional 29 agreements were pending signing involving direct risk investment of over $ 126 million in Pakistan;

· Announced and started implementing Big City Packages costing Rs.150 billion;

· Built 300,000 low cost residences for workers providing shelter to over 1 million people;

· Carried out a successful privatization programme which was acknowledged worldwide as being fair and transparent. The Government even letters of appreciation as to the transparency of the process even from unsuccessful firms;

· Reduced growth in money supply from an average of 20% during the period of PML-N Government to less than 15%;

· Expanded the tax base through the introduction of General Sales Tax which led to an increase in tax receipts from Rs.160 billion to Rs. 267 billion, representing a positive increase in the tax to GDP ratio;

· Imposed for the first time in country's history, agriculture wealth tax and pursuaded the provinces to levy agriculture income tax.

Notwithstanding the successes, areas where the Peoples Governments performance fell short of the target was the behavior of prices and the ratio of debt servicing. The unusually high monetary growth of the Nawaz regime continued to exert its influence on prices through lagged response. The international prices of some essential food items,

such as edible oil also contributed to higher prices. However, as the latest IMF report on Pakistan's economy shows the rate of inflation had stabilized and had started to come down when the Peoples Government was dismissed. The recent increase in prices as a result of the Caretakers reckless decisions show that the Peoples Government acted as the dam against lender conditionalities. The debt servicing ratio increased due to the accumulation of past debt.

B. ECONOMIC AGENDA 1997-2002

· The Peoples Government will complete its programmes disrupted by the dissolution and ensure that the nation reaps the benefits of those policies. The following will constitute the core elements of the Peoples Government economic policy:

· Increase tax revenues by a vigorous pursuit of tax evaders and a search for undeclared assets abroad. The tax system will be streamlined and the number of tax payers increased. There will also be a vigorous pursuit of cases in the courts system where billions of rupees are held up;

· Decrease tax rates levels thereby encouraging more people to pay taxes. The first reduction will be in the 1997 budget. This will include an increase in the base income of salaried and professionals exempted from tax to give them some relief from the vagaries of inflation;

· Maintain a stable macro-economic framework by keeping a low budget deficit, a prudent expansion in money supply, equilibrium in balance of payments and stability in prices. In an economy that crucially depends on inflow of private foreign capital, a stable macro framework is a pre-condition to inspiring confidence among foreign investors to lead to more job creation and more growth;

· Promote investment will be the key for achieving an accelerated rate of economic growth. Policies along the lines of energy and petroleum policies will be designed for sectors, like communications, highways, ports and shipping etc. and those sectors using indigenous resources;

· Promote the acceleration of oil and gas exploration to ensure mamimisation of indigenous energy resources;

· Accelerate the process of deregulation. They key areas of reforms would include further liberalization of financial sector giving greater autonomy to banks and other financial institutions before and after privatization in their operations, greater role of market forces in determination of exchange rates, removal of restrictions on the operations of capital markets and mobilization of resources, greater and easier access of private sector to foreign exchange resources;

· The process of privatization will be accelerated by early disposal of those infrastructure units where the financial advisors have completed their work. The role of capital markets in the process will be enhanced by placing significant portions of these shares in the capital markets;

· Grass root changes in banks and financial institutions will be instituted. Except for National Bank of Pakistan all banks will be privatised, with full security of employment to employees;

· An infrastructure development bank will be established as part of the public-private partnership. The bank would be devoted will be majority owned by the public sector for financing the infrastructure projects;

· An export development bank will be established which would be devoted for the financing exportables from Pakistan. The resources for the bank would be met from the export financing scheme of the SBP and diversion of resources from other uses which would be significantly curtailed after the privatization of DFIs;

· Recovery of stuck up financial resources shall receive top priority. Advances and any rescheduling shall be closely monitored to ensure against abuse;

· Service perks of government servants will be gradually discontinued and replaced with higher cash in hand emoluments.

· The Peoples Government also plans to initiate some new revolutionary economic programs in the country. Salient features of these programs are given below:-
Social Safety Net

· Poverty alleviation and welfare of the most vulnerable segments of population will be accorded top priority in the new economic program of the Peoples Government. The resources of Zakat, Ushr, Baitul Maal, Old Age Benefit Scheme and other welfare oriented sources would be extended and the coverage of population significantly expanded. The coverage of pension would be expanded to almost all workers. The international donor agencies would be approached to support the social safety net programs of the Government in view of the structural reforms being undertaken by the country. Examples of such support and their success in insulating the poor from the adverse effects of structural adjustments is now well known.

· As part of this programme the Peoples Government will provide large number of 60 sq.m. area plots for housing. The owners can collectively take up development on the OPP or Khuda Basti models. The idea is to effectively eliminate the land-grabber, on which the poor have to depend on their housing needs. "A plot for every family " is the ultimate objective

Debt Crisis and its Solution

· The most important economic problem facing the nation is the staggering public debt which has reached a figure of Rs.1,400 billion at the end of 1995-96. Fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policies are now a hostage to this pivotal problem of the economic management. An increasingly high proportion of current expenditure is devoted to the debt-servicing both domestic and foreign. In the budget 1996-97 almost Rs.200 billion would be spent under this head, whereas the interest payments alone have surpassed defence spending.

· The debt crisis is the legacy of martial law regime which, having squandered foreign aid and failed to impose taxes at the right moment and ruthlessly borrowed to perpetuate its unconstitutional rule. Subsequent Governments did not have enough courage to face the problem and added their bit to the accentuation of the problem. The last Peoples Government took the radical step of using the privatization proceeds for retirement of public debt.

· The Peoples Government undertakes to frontally attack the problem of public debt management through the following elements:

· all proceeds from privatization of public sector units, especially infrastructure projects, will be used exclusively for the retirement of public debt;

· internationally all accepted methods of debt retirement, such as debt-equity swaps, debt conversation, debt sell-off and transfer etc. would be allowed for early disposal of public assets and consequent retirement of debt;

· depending on the circumstances, the Government would not hesitate in requiring its creditors, both local and foreign, to enter in negotiation for debt rescheduling and restructuring with a view to seeking relief from mounting and unbearable debt servicing burden; such occasionals have occurred in the case of other developing countries who have successively re-negotiated their debt;

· a policy will be adopted to gradually liberalize the capital account of the balance of payment, thereby passing on the exchange liabilities to the private sector;

· public sector investments will be primarily restricted in social sectors or such economic sectors where commercial yields are marginal but have large social returns. This would release borrowing pressures on the Government;
· budget deficit would be cut basically by cutting non-development expenditure and effecting savings in implementation of development schemes.

CHAPTER 3 - AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

A. MAJOR AGRICULTURE ACHIEVEMENTS 1993-1996

Given the predominantly agrarian structure of Pakistan's economy, no significant economic growth can be achieved without the commensurate contribution from the agriculture sector. The Peoples Government therefore places strong emphasis on agricultural growth and that was why there was a resurgence of agricultural growth under the Peoples Government as compared with agricultural growth under the Nawaz Government. The Peoples Government had the following successes:

· There was a handsome positive agriculture growth rate of over 6% per annum in the period as against a negative 15% growth rate in 1992-93 when the Peoples Government took office;

· In calamity affected areas, relief to small farmers was given on production loans and interest on production loans were waived during 1995-96;

· An amount of Rs.15 billion was disbursed as credit to farmers through ADBP in 1995-96 as compared to about Rs.10 billion in 1992-93, an increase of 50%;

· Kisan banking window operations were established at 356 branches of ADBP to provide credit to small farmers. Rs.4.53,925.36 million was disbursed through this scheme during 1995-96;

· Under Awami Tractor Scheme, 20,000 tractors were provided to farmers at subsidized rate during 1995-96.

· Seed business was declared an industry to boast seed production and incentives like exemption of custom duty on import of vegetable seeds, duty free import of inbred lines for production of hybrid seeds and reduction in import duty of seed processing machinery and seed testing laboratory equipment were granted.

· Support prices of important agricultural commodities were increased in 1995-96 to provide incentive to farmers for increasing production.

B. AGRICULTURE AGENDA 1997-2002

Apart from the vagaries of the weather, our agriculture is beset by the problems of poor untimely water supplies of contaminated pesticides, non-availability of adequate and timely credit, inadequate infrastructure for farm to market access and extremely poor yields of major crops. Unless a grass root program for alleviation these ills is launched there is no hope for exploiting the fullest potential of country's agriculture sector. The Peoples Government will adopt an agricultural policy to fundamentally restructure the agriculture sector comprising:

· A grass root program for construction of lined water courses and canals, development of new canals and rehabilitation of the existing canal system to improve water supplies and effect economy in water use;

· Expeditiously complete large schemes to create a comprehensive drainage system in the country and its extension with a top-to-bottom approach;

· Introduction of new laws providing severe punishments alongwith an efficient enforcement machinery to check the widespread contamination of pesticides, fertilizer and other agriculture inputs;

· Ensure greater allocation of credit from ADBP for production activities on a timely basis by strengthening the Kissan window, greater provision of credit from SBP, adequate availability of credit for financing of agriculture implements including tractors;

· Allow prices of all agriculture crops to be freely determined by market forces; there will be no indirect taxation of agriculture sector by paying less than local market or international prices;

· Strengthen agriculture research institutions through provisions of greater resources for the purpose of studying the ways for improving yields of all major crops;

· Establish a massive net-work of farm-to-market roads to improve the access of farmer to the market thereby enabling him to get timely access and better prices from the market;

· Treat the agricultural sector at par with the industrial sector;

· Policy incentives to be provided to promote agro-industry in the rural areas to encourage demand led growth and to provide employment opportunities in the rural areas;

· Spend a percentage of agricultural income tax in the District from where taxes have been collected. This would mobilize resource collection and encourage the agricultural sector to contribute in to the national exchanger;

· Promote corporate farming to attract national and foreign investment into the agricultural sector;

· Provide incentives to promote the livestock sector, so that organised livestock farms to be promoted to meet the milk and meat requirements of the country;

· Initiate incentives and policies to promote exports of high-value agriculture goods like fruit, flowers and vegetables;

· Introduce crop insurance;
· Ensure timely payments to farmers who suffer from delayed recoveries of payments for their products;

· Issue title deeds for agriculture lands so that the farmers does not remain at the mercy of the revenue officials. He should be able to use title deed as collateral and for obtaining credits and other benefits. This will also simplify transfers of land;

· Develop an oilseed development plan to provide an additional boost to minimise dependence on imported oils;

· Pursue land reform and distribute Government land among the landless.

CHAPTER 4 - HEALTH

The Peoples Government placed special emphasis on health, education and population planning under its Social Action Programme. These programmes were designed to improve the human resource situation in the country and bring services to the peoples doorstep.

A. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE HEALTH SECTOR 1993-96

· There was a seven fold increase in Health Budget from 1993 to 1996. 60% of allocation earmarked for Primary Health Care (PHC) Programmes;

· Programme instituted for training and development of 100,000 Lady Health Workers (LHW) to deliver PHC, mother & child care, immunization, free medicines, family planning guidance & services health education, pre & post natal care through a direct village & mohalla based approach. By November 1996 50,000 LHW's had been trained and were serving in the field to provide access to the under-served areas. This was Pakistan's largest-ever women employment program [introduced by non-other than the world's first women Prime Minister];

· National anti-polio drive started and in three years immunized millions of children. Pakistan is now on its way of being polio free by year 2000;

· Medical education reform - 4 major medical colleges (one in each Province) started community:

· Oriented medical education to respond to the real health needs of the masses and the epidemiological trends;

· Inclusion of family planning and primary health care was made compulsory in all medical college courses and in the secondary school curriculum;

· Greater autonomy was given to medical colleges for defining curriculum. Admissions were based on national testing service so as to ensure fairness and integrity of exams, and to establish national standards;

· Self-financing fee plan introduced, based on the principle that those who can afford to should pay, scholarships to be provided for needy students, self-financing fee plan enhances income for the medical colleges;

· Higher qualification standards established by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council in line with modern medical education requirements in the developed countries;

· To reduce incidence of goiter, cretinism, mal-formation and mental retardation, a large scale iodination of salt campaign was launched. 1.5 million persons were given iodized oil therapy. 13,580 tons of iodized salt was distributed. 26% of all salt in Pakistan was iodized;

· There was a strengthening of health management information systems to provide up-dated, reliable and accurate data on health for policy formulation, programme design and realistic planning;

· Policy framework and incentives were announced to promote private sector investment in the health services, specially in the tertiary area so that Government resources can be increasingly ear-marked for promotive and preventive health care for the poor, specially the rural poor;

· There was a quantum increases in the nurses training programmes, up-gradation of nurse's posts, increase in the salary of nurse's and their status;

· Aggressive public awareness programmes were launched to disseminate information about AIDS, nutrition, malaria, healthy life-style, anti-smoking, mother and child care tuberculosis control, family planning and primary health care;

· Low-cost medicine were made available through the People's pharmacies located within the hospital premises to provide 24 hours service. Availability of essential drugs at 15% lower than market rates;

· Policies were launched for involvement of the community in planning, management,
partial-financing, and monitoring of public health services through village committees;
· Total eradication of guinea worm from Pakistan was achieved in 1996;

· Burn units established. One in each major provincial hospital;

· Human resource development in the health sector with a focus on clinical, laboratory & radiology technicians training for lady health visitors, school health visitors, traditional birth attendants, nutritionists, hospital administration was started;

· For first time policies were formulated on essential drugs, vaccine and drug quality assurance, drug pricing, rational drug use and basic manufacture.

B. HEALTH AGENDA FOR 1997-2002

· Enhance Health Budget to 3.5% of GDP by 2002;

· Continue all health initiatives started by Peoples' Government from 1993-1996 according to Health Policy priorities;

· Prepare and implement programmes to expand primary health care coverage so that every citizen is covered by 2005 through the Basic Health Units (BHUS), Dispensaries,

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), LHWs, district and city hospitals;
· Rationalize health manpower needs by training more health service providers, nurses, para-medics country doctors, technologists, nutritionists, school health visitors, hospital administrators;

· Promote private-sector investment in basic manufacturing and development of raw materials and the indigenous pharmaceutical industry. Specially promote national manufacture of essential drugs;

· Promote operational research, management, increase institutional capacity for research;

· Develop a private sector managed health care insurance for government employees. Promote health insurance for private citizens;

· Ensure clean drinking water for all by 2002;

· Ban medical treatment overseas at government expense for parliamentarians and government servants;

· Make Pakistan polio-free by 2000;

· Ensure by 1998 100,000 LHWs are trained and providing services in the field. Train an additional 50,000 LHW's by 2000;

· Launch a national campaign against measles, whooping cough and tetanus;

· Prepare rationalized policy for future requirement of doctors and other health service providers;

· Achieve universal salt iodination by 2002;

· Incentives for private sector investment in tertiary care i.e. highly specialized hospitals for heart, kidney & cancer;

· Ensure all major city hospitals to have burn units by 2002. District Hospitals by 2010;
· Actively promote women's jobs in Health Sector;

· Establish an autonomous board for drug registration and pricing with complete transparent procedures;

· Promote generic medicine to provide cheaper medicines.

CHAPTER 5 - EDUCATION


A. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR 1993-96

· Increased the education budget 300% from 1993 to 1996 (from Rs.13.790 billion to Rs.42.247 billion). In GDP terms the education budget was increased from 1.9% of GDP in 1993 to 2.52% in 1996;

· Primary education and literacy received 65% of the total education allocation, with the largest share going into girls primary education;

· Focus shifted from tertiary to basic education for all and from general to vocational and technical education, from urban secondary to rural primary and to girls education;

· Legislation passed for compulsory primary education to ensure EFA by all 4 Provinces. Federal legislation on the anvil;

· National and Provincial Education Foundations made operative for promoting public - private partnerships for establishing schools, specially for girls;

· Curriculum revised to include environment, health, population studies, drug abuse education, ethics and character building. New integrated curriculum introduced for primary classes. English made compulsory from primary school. History textbooks corrected for distortions and in-accuracies. Pakistan's ideology as defined by Quad-e-Azam included as the foundation course for all students;

· National Education Testing services introduced for standardized testing for entrance to professional colleges i.e. medical and engineering and for universities;

· Four private sector universities approved;

· Computer literacy centres established;

· Rs.400 million allocated for vocational education to promote skills training for secondary school students;

· Teacher training programmes through open university increased resulting in 15,000 teachers being produced per annum in 1993 to 45,000 in 1996. 20 new vocational courses introduced;

· Literacy rate increased from 35% in 1993 to 38% in 1996. Literacy target set at 70% by year 2000. Primary enrollment increased from 13.5 million to 15.5 million in 1996. Enrollment target set for 24 million by 2002. Participation rate increased from 66% in 1993 to 73% in 1996. Target set for 90% by 2002;

· Multiple Textbook Policy adopted to encourage private sector to compete with Government Textbook Boards, for better quality textbooks;

· 6,500 teachers providing literacy through the home-school program in collaboration with NGO's by 1996 ;

· Self-financing fee plan for students who can afford to pay. This additional income will be generated for universities and colleges to ease the budget deficit situation of the higher education sector;

· Major administrative and financial restructuring of the universities to make them financially self-reliant over a phased period of 8 years.

B. EDUCATION AGENDA 1997-2002 ONWARDS

Reaffirming that the right to education is fundamental human right, the Peoples Party pledges to:

· Increase allocation to education to 3.0 of GDP by 2000 sector to 4.5% of GDP by 2005;

· Achieve universalization of basic education and 85% literacy by 2005;

· Ensure secondary and tertiary education to be employment and productivity oriented;

· Improve quality inputs i.e. teacher training, curriculum, computers, textbooks, testing and evaluation;

· Emphasize computer, technical, vocational education and English for improving employability of school and college graduates;

· Carry out major reform of teacher training curriculum based on modern scientific pedagogical research, emphasis on science and vocational education;

· Provide incentives to the private sector for establishing vocational and technical training institutes, professional college and universities;

· Ensure admissions to higher level institutions to be made on merit;

· Devolve authority to district level and to communities for repair, maintenance and monitoring of school facilities;

· Introduce new technology subjects such as genetic engineering, bio-genetics,
information - technology, robotics, management system, fibre-optics;

· Revamp the examination system by establishing Independent Examination Boards in the public and private sector;

· Provide autonomy to all nationalized colleges;

· Denationalize all missionary schools & colleges protecting the rights of all teachers in the same way as worker in the privatized industries;

· Prime Minister's literacy commission to set up 20,000 literacy centres by 2002 through home-based schools;

· Provide administrative & financial autonomy to all public-sector universities and formal institutional linkages with trade, industry, agriculture and finance sectors;

· Introduce scholarships based on need and merit for poor students;

· Recognize and promote private sector role in education;

· Enhance teacher's status through highest level awards, high public office, increase salaries and up-grade of posts;

Introduce exchanges and split degree programmes with prestigious and well-renowned foreign universities.

CHAPTER 6 - EMPLOYMENT

A. EMPLOYMENT ACHIEVEMENTS 1993-96

Recognizing unemployment as one a major national problem the Peoples' Government adopted a four phased approach towards the problem:

1. Employment through the Public Sector:

The Peoples Government is not apologetic in any way for employing hundreds of thousands of young men and women in the public sector. While the Peoples Party expects that over the course of time the focus of job creation be in the private sector it was, in view of the existing economic realities, unwilling to allow the youth of Pakistan to be left in despair and poverty, thereby leading to social conflicts, rising crime and probable public disorder. Therefore, the Peoples Government took the bold step of using the public sector to take the slack in the creation of employment opportunities, although this made it more difficult for the Peoples Government to meet some of the commitments made by the Caretaker Government of Mr. Moin Qureshi to international agencies viz. budget deficits. The Peoples Party rejects the allegations that political favouritism or corruption was employed in granting employment.

Those employed made a significant contribution to the country's social well being. For instance hundreds of thousands were employed in various government departments and agencies, 50,000 young women were employed as Lady Health Workers with another 45,000 under training. Thousands of teachers were appointed under the Peoples Government aggressive programme to wipe out illiteracy.

2. Employment through the private sector especially through foreign investment:

Foreign investment increased by $ 3 billion in the three years under the Peoples Government. This led to a large increase in the number of employed in the private sector. Major construction activity in the areas of power plants, pipelines and other infrastructural projects meant that a large number of people were gainfully employed during the period 1993-6. With major infrastructural projects and major private investment in the power, petroleum and chemical industries under implementation or sanctioned by the Peoples Government the serious problem of unemployment would have eased further in the next few years. The Peoples Government ensured that as part of the privatization process the employment of workers was fully protected with no terminations allowed except for misconduct. The labour agreement negotiated with the WAPDA union during the privatization of the Kot Addu Power station has been hailed as a perfect example for protecting labour rights in a privatization programme. The ever increasing number of vacancies being advertised in the newspapers for employment in the private sector are proof of the Peoples Government's policies were succeeding in easing the problems of unemployment.

3. Special programme for training in technical trades and domestic services:

The Peoples' Government started the Special Programme for Training in Technical Trades and Domestic Services aimed at reducing un-employment, meeting the skilled workers requirements of the industries/employment market, assisting in self-employment and facilitating export of manpower. The programme envisaged training of about 50,000 workers in 24 different technical trades and occupations. The scheme launched in March 1994 was funded by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) by generating financial resources through enhancement of service charges by September 1996. 22,500 trainees have already completed different training courses while 5,500 were presently undergoing training. An amount of Rs.210 million was made available to finance the programme during 1995-96. Continuity in the programme would have undoubtedly benefited the labour market to help solve, the problem of un-employment. The dismissal of the Peoples' Government has thrown this important problem into cold-storage and deprived thousands of men and women the chance for skill-training and livelihood.

4. Employment through self employment:

The Peoples Government under the Small Businesses and YIPS programmes over 150,000 young and deserving persons were provided financial assistance to start businesses and create self employment.

5. Employment through export of labour:

The Peoples' Government implemented an aggressive policy to export manpower and had high level meetings in this regard with a number of brotherly and friendly states. In 1996 alone over 120,000 people found employment abroad.

B. EMPLOYMENT AGENDA FOR 1997-2002

The Peoples Party categorically reject the Caretakers policies of terminating hundreds of thousands of government employees and employees of banks/DFIs/semi autonomous bodies the Peoples Party condemns the decision of PML-N and other political parties to accept the Caretakers decision in this regard.

The Peoples Government will continue its policy for maximum employment through infrastructural development, private sector investment, training, employment through self-employment schemes and export of labour. The Peoples Government will place a high priority in creating employment opportunities.

CHAPTER 7 - LABOUR

The Pakistan Peoples Party has always stood at the forefront of labour's struggle for the protection of their rights and their economic well being. The Government has a critical role to play in ensuring that the labour class is not exploited and that it receives its due rights and position in society. The Peoples Government in the seventies framed basic laws which to date still provide vital rights to the labour class.

The labour laws need some essential changes to meet the requirements of an entirely different labour-industrial environment than the one that existed thirty years ago. The goal at which the Peoples Government will provide a basis for improved labour-industrial relations, greater job and financial security to workers both during and after employment.

The scope of labour laws will be gradually expanded to include agricultural labourers and the present legal system for adjudication legal disputes will be remodeled and revitalised to ensure both labour and industry's rights are protected.

A. ACHIEVEMENTS IN LABOUR 1993-1996

1. TASK FORCE ON SOCIAL SECURITY

The Peoples' Government giving high priority to welfare of labour, set-up the Task Force on Social Security to examine the Employees Old Age Benefits Act, 1976 and other labour laws to firm up various recommendations in regard to old age pension scheme, social security scheme and workers welfare scheme and various decisions taken. These could not be implemented due to the dismissal of the Peoples Government.

2. HOUSES FOR WORKERS

In order to provide housing facilities to the industrial workers, the government launched a programme for massive construction of labour colonies in the four provinces. Initially Rs.1 billion were allocated for this purpose from the Workers Welfare Fund. The programme was in addition to the regular programmes undertaken by the Provincial Governments with the Federal Government's additional finances to provide law cost houses to the workers. The programme envisaged construction of low cost houses and development of residential plots for allotment to workers on easy installments. Work on 7 schemes was in progress while another 14 were in the planning stage when the Peoples Government was dismissed. Under the Workers Welfare Fund, a large scale scheme to provide land for labour had also been finalized. These schemes scheduled to be completed by 1998 would have benefitted over one million workers and their families. The Peoples Government undertake to implement and expedite the scheme.

B. LABOUR AGENDA 1997-2002

· A new pension scheme will be formulated for labour extending coverage and the quantum of pension in the existing scheme Rs.425 to Rs.700 per month. Under the new pension scheme, coverage will be extended from the present 100,000 workers to 7 million by the year 2010. The Peoples Government will provide a fixed annual amount of Rs.1 billion to the Employees Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) for implementation of the scheme;

· A new National Pension Scheme would be launched and all workers, and self-employed persons would be eligible to join the a new scheme;

· Workers will be covered by the Peoples Government social safety net;

· The Peoples Government will increase the number of housing schemes for workers and provide shelter to over one and a half million workers and their families by the year 2002.

· Contract labour shall be abolished and minimum wages will be increased keeping inflation in view;

· Workers shall be provided with an effective safety net for health care, education for their children and with old age pensions;

· Health insurance cover will be provided to meet major health emergencies;

· Funds from the Worker's Welfare Fund will be spent strictly for the sole benefit the workers and with the consultation of the worker's representatives;

· Major labour intensive public works programmes will be undertaken to combat un-employment and build infrastructure;

· Ex-employees of closed industries will be given the option to run those industries together with financial institutions on a "own as you pay" basis". Those industries which the employees refuse to run will be liquidated, so that recoverable financial resources, land and human resources can be reinvested in profitable ventures.

CHAPTER 8 - WOMEN


A. WOMEN'S RIGHTS & DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENTS 1993-1996

1. Strengthening of Institutional Framework.

· Strengthened the Ministry of Women Development and Youth Affairs;

· Set up of Women Development Department in the Provinces;

· Made women issues a focal point in all Federal Ministries and provincial departments.

2. Shifting of emphasis from welfare oriented development to skill development.

· During the last two years (98 in the Public Sector & 185 in the Private Sector);

· The Ministry of Women Development funded 283 women development projects establishment of 40 computer training centres under the umbrella project;

· Expended the operation and branches of First Women Bank established in 1989 (33 branches by the Peoples Government all over Pakistan);

· Regional Development Training Institute established in March, 1995. Courses in banking, computers, entrepreneurship started;

3. First of Its kind in South Asia:

National Training & Resource Centre for Women in Development Islamabad, Rs. 420.83 million approved.

4. Law, Security & Health

· For the first time induced of women officers in the police service of Pakistan;
· Strengthened the women police force;

· Acquired land in four provinces for modern prisons for women;

· Established a network of women police stations in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Abbottabad and Saidu Sharif;

· Established Commission of Inquiry for Women (October 1994) to review all the existing laws which are discriminatory to women or effect their rights as equal citizens;

· Signed the United Nation Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women in August, 1995;

· Appointed women judges in three of four of the country's High Courts;

· Introduced Rural Health Programme. 100,000 females will be trained as Primary Health Workers to provide maternal Health Care, Child nutrition and population planning services;

· Established burns wards in major hospitals in each Province to especially deal with cases of home accidents and domestic violence. Supported Global Commission on Women's Health Pakistan (WHO) (Pakistan Chapter);

· Co-ordinated Population Planning Programme "From state and Seminar to Home & Hearth";

· Started Medical Technical Assistants Training Programme for Girls (MTA) in selected Divisional/District Hospitals;

· Established anti T.B. drug bank for women;

· Started housing scheme for destitute women with a Rs. 20 million revolving Fund.

5. Planning & Development Division

Incorporated the Beijing Plan of Action and the National Report for women into SAP-II and 9th Five Year Plan

B. WOMEN'S RIGHTS & DEVELOPMENT AGENDA 1997-2002


1. POLITICAL PARTICIPATION & REPRESENTATION

To ensure women's political participation and representation, measures will be taken to:

· Restore the reserved seats for women in the National Assembly, Senate and Provincial Assemblies and in the local bodies;

· Establish a Permanent Commission on the Status of Women as an autonomous statutory body comprising government representatives, NGOs, human rights organizations, and experts in different fields to review, recommend, oversee and monitor the implementation of laws, policies and programmes in development, rights and political participation;

· Ensure minimum 20% women's representation and participation in local government institutions and advisory committees established for developmental programmes e.g. the Social Action Programme and the Rural Support Programmes;

· Enhance the minimum quota for women in the civil services to 10% in all sectors and grades including all government, semi-government and autonomous bodies;

· Formulate a well-defined policy for women's development by the Government;

· Include the MoWD as a permanent member of important policy-making fora, like the National Economic Council (NEC), Executive Committee of the NEC (ECNEC), Central Development Working Party (CDWP), Agricultural Credit Advisory Committee (ACAC);

· Ensure equal representation of women in all committees instituted at the local level for maintenance and monitoring of public programmes such as school management committees, rural water supply and sanitation groups;

2. EMPLOYMENT

A national employment policy for women will be enunciated immediately for the women workers in the formal and informal sector. Ensuring that laws are implemented regarding 8 hour working days for women workers in the formal sector, measures will be taken to:

· Extend the legal cover of an adequate minimum wage, acceptable working hours, and health and maternity benefits to casual, temporary and piece-rate workers;

· Encourage women's participation in public sector employment through flexibility in regulations pertaining to age;

· Introduce incentives of a reasonable maternity package and day care facilities at larger workplaces;

· Enforce corrective measures for minimising occupational health hazards for women in the industrial sectors;

· Facilitate hostel accommodation for working women in all cities and towns;

· Encourage rural-based industries and enterprises, especially those that absorb women;

· Review the existing employment laws and practice to ensure equality of opportunity and non-discrimination against women, and set up special units in Industrial Relations Boards to redress cases of discrimination, harassment and victimization of women workers;

· Provide training and credit and facilitate marketing procedures for women micro-entrepreneurs through specially designed schemes;

· Create a national data-base on women employment;

· Increase the recruitment of women in Labour Inspectorate to monitor the working conditions of women workers.

3. VIOLENCE

· To combat all forms of violence against women (including domestic violence, custodial violence, sexual harassment, public humiliations and prostitution and trafficking of women):

· Undertake stronger legislative action to create a safe social and physical environment for women;

· Establish support structures (e.g. legal aid and counseling centres) and shelters all over the country for female victims of violence and forced prostitution.

· Set up citizen-police liaison committees at the mohalla and village level to provide protection for women and register cases of domestic violence as criminal offense.

· Expand and upgrade the women's police force and improve the conditions in women's prisons. Provide state counseling for women prisoners;

· Enact legislation to ensure that doctors in hospitals immediately report female burn cases and alleged/suspected domestic violence cases to the police. Establish special units in hospitals, clinics and dispensaries for medico-legal support to victims of such violence;

· Establish committees at sub-divisional and district levels with women's adequate representation, to perform the following functions:

- to liaise with patient care societies to arrange for legal, psychiatric and financial help to victims of violence.

- visit women confined to police lock-ups and prisons.

- maintain records on the conditions of the victims/prisoners, and collect data on cases of rape.

· Organise training programmes on violence against women for members of law-enforcement agencies, the judiciary and legislatures;

· Strictly monitor and severely deal with violence against women by state agencies.

4. LEGAL RIGHTS

To ensure the human rights of women and to eradicate all forms of discrimination against them, affirmative action will be taken by:

· Repealing/amending blatantly discriminatory and derogatory laws e.g. the Huddod Ordinances, the Citizenship Act, etc.;

· Reforming the personal laws to meet the demand of current socio-economic realities, and expediting the process of justice in the family courts;

· Legislating to make sexual harassment specifically a crime;

· Amending laws on prostitution and trafficking of women to provide harsher punishments to the offender;

5. WATER

Recognizing that the lack of clean water is a denial of the citizen's basic right to life, and is the most important demand of the rural women of Pakistan, high priority will be given to the most important demand of the rural women of Pakistan, high priority will be given to this issue and local communities, especially rural women, will be involved in the planning, management and maintenance of more accessible, safe and reliable water systems.

6. CONTROL AND OWNERSHIP OF RESOURCES

Recognizing that legal ownership of assets and control over incomes is a vital factor in women's economic independence at all levels, steps will be taken to ensure that:

· Female-headed poor households, will be given priority in allotment of all land-sites and housing schemes.

· The property inherited by women, particularly in the rural areas will be registered in their names.

· Increasing women's access to ownership and control of assets, particularly government-distributed land and property through the registration of title-deeds of all state-lands allotted for lease or home sites, jointly in the names of husband and wife, and in case of female-headed households, to the primary earner.

7. AGRICULTURE

Recognizing that peasant women make a major contribution to all agricultural work, steps will be taken to ensure that:

· Their contribution is recognized in national statistics (by-developing separate) gender based surveys;

· They are provided extension and training about improved methods of work and new technologies that will increase the output of their work;

· Radio programmes for rural women, especially peasant women, will be broadcast daily to provide them information relevant to their work, health, nutrition and government programmes and services for their benefit.

8. NGOs AND EXPERTS IN WOMEN'S DEVELOPMENT

Recognizing the importance of the contribution and expertise of NGOs and other experts in women's development, efforts will be initiated to:

· Involve them in all advisory and programme committees in women's development issues e.g. the Social Action Programme;

· Build up the NGOs financial and operational capacity to enable them to more effectively support Government efforts;

9. SPORTS FOR WOMEN

The Government accepted the Iranian government's proposal in 1993 to stage the Second Islamic Countries Women Sports Solidarity Games in Pakistan in October 1997. Prior to the main event, mini games were held in October 1996 as a dress rehearsal. Invitation to all the Muslim countries have been extended and 25 countries have confirmed their participation. The purpose of hosting the Islamic Women Games in Pakistan was to generate healthy sports activity among women of the country and to promote opportunities for women athletes to participate in inter country competitions.

10. CONTRIBUTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN TO THE ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM MUSLIM COUNTRIES (OWPMC)

Under the direct guidance of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan convened the First Conference of Women Parliamentarians from Muslim Countries (OWPMC) in August 1995 and offered to host the Organization's Secretariat in Islamabad which has since been established.

11. INTEGRATION

As the over all policy, guideline, gender concerning will be fully integrated into all social, economic and political activities of the nation, with the special emphasis of removing all disparities based on sex.

CHAPTER 9 - POPULATION

POPULATION PLANNING

This is the gravest challenge for Pakistan. If Pakistani population growth rate is not controlled, planned and reduced, all other efforts to bring development, peace, prosperity, democracy and security to our country will be negated.

In 1993 the PPP government inherited a galloping population growth rate of 3.1%. This was the 4th highest growth rate in the world. Pakistan had jumped from being No. 9 on the list of high population countries to No. 7.

In 1993, serious and concerted efforts were undertaken to reduce the population growth rate with large-scale funding, improvement in the efficiency of the population welfare department and outlets, mass mobilization, public awareness campaigns and a strong and sustained political commitment at the highest level. The Peoples Government succeeded in bringing down the growth rate from 3.1% in 1989 to 2.8% in 1996 under its blueprint announced in its first term. In its second term, the Peoples Government announced a second blueprint to reduce the population rate from 2.8% in 1994 to 2.6% in 1999, while simultaneously reducing infant mortality rates. In recognition of Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's efforts in this regard were recognised by the World Health Organisation.

A. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE POPULATION WELFARE PROGRAMME
· A major reduction of population growth from 3.1% to 2.8%.

· Prime Minister's active, vocal & sustained support, specially at the International Conference on Population and Development at Cairo, in 1994 and at all national conferences, events and seminars;

· Highest level political support by Prime Minister, Chief Minister's, Ministers and Parliamentarians given to this sector;

· Effective and large-scale mass media campaign for raising awareness and reaching the target population;

· Direct participation of NGO's and private sector in providing family planning services, specially through programmes such as social marketing of contraceptives;

· All health outlets provided family planning services and guidance;

· For the first time, a parliamentarians group on Population & Development was established in National Assembly and in Provincial Assemblies;

· Village based family planning workers increased from 2,500 in 1992 to 12,000 by 1996.

· Citizen's groups, professionals, religious scholars, literacy teachers were involved in raising awareness about the urgent need for family planning, the small family norm and the importance of the girl-child.

B. POPULATION AGENDA FOR 1997-2002

· Reduce population growth rate from 2.8% in 1994 to 2.6% by 1999 and 2.0% by 2005.
· Increase contraceptive prevalence rate from 22% in 1996 to 44% in 2002 and to 54% in 2005.

· Increase coverage for population services in urban areas from 50% in 1996 to 100% in 2002, and in Rural areas from 40% in 1996 to 85% in 2002;

· Continue with the multi-pronged approach of high-level political commitment, improving the delivery and access of family planning services, involvement of health sector, private sector community organizations, NGO's & focus on target population of 18 years - 35 years;

· Promote mother & child care through the Lady Health Workers programme, with special focus on survival & health of children;

· Invite public institutions and social & religious leaders in educating the people about the importance of adopting the small family norm;

· Include population studies in all secondary school, institutes, college, and university, curriculum;

· Encourage parliamentarians to become strong advocates of population control;

· Improve training and service conditions of Family Planning Workers;

· Provide incentives and awards for best family planning workers.

CHAPTER 10 - CHILDREN & BONDED LABOUR

A. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE CHILD AND BONDED LABOUR SECTOR 1993-96

1. Made concerted efforts for active enforcement of laws against child and bonded labour, such as the Employment of Child Labour Act, 1991 and the Bonded Labour Abolition Act, 1992. Collaboration and support of NGOs and international organization such as ILO, IPEC and UNICEF was also sought. Despite the government's commitment to eradicate child and bonded labour, the problem persisted as enforcement of labour laws at the provincial level was sporadic and weak. The provincial governments were repeatedly reminded to streamline the implementation of the existing laws and to target areas where child work force was engaged in hazardous occupations and working children below the age of 12 were involved. The provincial governments in Sindh and Punjab were advised to make efforts to implement the Bonded Labour Abolition Act, 1992 for combating the heinous incidence of bonded labour. The Peoples Government had the following achievements in this sector:

· As a result of the continuous efforts of Benazir Bhutto's Government over 4,500 inspections and raids were conducted to monitor the conditions where children were working and to register cases against violation of the employment of Child Labour Act, 1991;

· The number of Child Labour Inspectors was doubled;

· More than 2,500 prosecutors took place in a span of 2 1/2 years. This was the highest number of prosecution in the history of Pakistan, followed by the highest ratio of convictions;

· In addition to strengthening the surveillance and enforcement machinery the Peoples Government undertook a number of other measures for reduction and eventual elimination of Child and Bonded Labour through a rehabilitative approach;

· The Peoples Government set up a Child Labour Cell which monitored the progress by the provincial governments and other agencies in giving effect to measures to eliminate child and bonded labour;

· The Peoples Government signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" with the ILO to join the IPEC programme aimed at a gradual elimination of child labour;

· For the first time a survey was commissioned through the Federal Bureau of Statistics to measure the magnitude of child labour which was completed in Aug, 1996.

2. The Social Welfare and Special Education Division prepared a project proposal in collaboration with the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mall for setting up 35 rehabilitation centres in the areas of concentration of child labour. The ILO and UNICEF agreed to provide financial assistance for running this programme which aims at withdrawal of child labour from work places, provision of primary education to those in the age group of 9-14, stipends, medical care, and nutrition to the enrolled student 14 Rehab. Centres were operating by Nov, 96. If the Peoples Government had completed its term, a total of 35 Rehab centres would have been established all over Pakistan.

3. In 1994, a Human Right Cell and in 1996, a full fledged Human Rights Ministry was established to deal with violations of Abolition of Bonded Labour Act, 1992, other Human rights violations specially cases of violence against minorities and women, burn victim, rape cases and violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The PPP government has been the only government in the history of Pakistan to take concrete specific practical measures to combat the terrible practice of Child Labour and Bonded Labour.

B. CHILD AND BONDED LABOUR AGENDA 1997-2002

It is estimated through deductive measures and through the finding of the ILO survey that about 6 million children in Pakistan may be engaged in some economic activity, mostly in agriculture, informal sectors and hole-based industries. The prevalence of child and bonded labour in Pakistan came under severe international scrutiny in the past few years, accentuating negative propaganda. The benefits available to Pakistan under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in its trade with the US were withdrawn. The threat of withdrawal of these benefits in trade with the European countries continues in the face of the complaint lodged by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) to the European Commission. Therefore, the Peoples' Government if elected will ensure that child and bonded labour issues are vigorously addressed, laws are strictly enforced and Pakistan is liberated from the curse of child and bonded labour.

CHAPTER 11 - BIG CITY RENEWAL

A. BIG CITY ACHIEVEMENTS
In view of the lack of development and the near break down of social services and infrastructure in major cities in Pakistan in 1995, the Peoples Government launched a big city renewal programme. In the first phase the Rs.121 billion Karachi package was launched.

In 1996 as part of the second phase of the Peoples Government Big Cities Packages, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, approved a massive package of Rs.28 billion million for development of the following five big cities:

· Lahore

· Rawalpindi

· Gujranwala

· Faisalabad

· Multan

The work under these packages includes:

o drainage;

o sewerage;

o water supply;

o construction and improvement of transit systems, roads & bridges, under passes, flyovers and by-passes;

o construction and modernization of educational and health facilities;

o provision of health equipment for hospitals;

o improvement and rehabilitation of distribution system of WAPDA/KESC;.

o construction and renovation of railway stations;

o expansion and development of gas network by SNGPL/SSGC;

o traffic management system;

o tree plantation;

o expansion of telecom network;

o low income housing schemes.

Implementation of these packages was ongoing when the Peoples Government was dismissed. There was visible evidence of the positive effect of these packages on the targeted cities.

B. BIG CITY AGENDA 1997-2002

The Peoples Government promises to fully implement the Big City Packages in full and by 1998, introduce similar packages for Hyderabad, Sukkur, Gujrat, Sarghoda, Sahiwal, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Quetta.

CHAPTER 12 - PRIVATIZATION

A. PRIVATIZATION ACHIEVEMENTS 1993-96

The Peoples Government introduced for the first time in the history of Pakistan the concept of privatisation in its 1988 Manifesto. In 1989, it legislated a framework for privatisation, hired consultants and undertook the first privatisation by selling shares to PIA. However in 1993 the Peoples Government inherited a Privatization Commission with inadequate technical and institutional capacity for implementation of Privatization Agenda. There was lack of transparency and perception of nepotism in the sale of industrial units. There were charges of favouritism in the sale of Muslim Commercial Bank and cement plants. The Privatization Commission lacked credibility in the investor community and in the international market.

The privatization program of the Peoples Government was acclaimed by the World Bank as one of the most organised and professional in the Asia Pacific region. The Privatization Commission received funds from the World Bank for technical assistance and upgrading of its professional capability in the privatization process. The Privatization Commission was re-structured and qualified technical consultants were hired to improve the quality of work.

The Government took steps to protect those immediately affected by the privatization process, namely:

1) Employees

2) Consumers

The Peoples Government has always considered the workers as the back bone of the economy. Employees were allowed to match the highest bid in sales of industrial units. AC Wah one of the most modern cement plants in Pakistan was given to the employees on that basis. The Peoples Government believes that the employees must participate in this nation building program. There were numerous complaints by the labour on non-payment of golden hand shake and VSS by the PML-N Government. In order to ensure that the workers were protected, the Privatization Commission amended sale contracts so that the benefit to the workers were guaranteed.

The employees of WAPDA had been vehemently opposing privatization. It was one of the major success of the Peoples Government that they agreed to the Government's privatisation program for power plants and distribution networks. A comprehensive package of incentives and protection for WAPDA employees was agreed. This provided comfort to foreign investors and sent a message to the world investment community that privatization policy of the Peoples Government has the support of the workers of Pakistan.

The Peoples Government also established the regulatory framework to protect consumers. The regulatory framework enables the Government to check monopolist practices as well as to monitor prices. The laws provide adequate protection to consumers and a clear framework for operations to the private sector.

· For the Telecommunication sector, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

· For the power sector the National Electricity Power Regulating Authority.

· For the gas sector the Gas Regulatory Authority.

NOTABLE PRIVATIZATIONS 1993-96

PTC
· In 1994, the Government offered 11.6% in Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation (PTC)
.
· In the first phase PTC Vouchers were offered in small tranches for the benefit of small investors in Pakistan. The Government offered one million PTC Vouchers worth Rs. 3 billion which represented 2% of proposed share of PTCL, the price of PTC Voucher was fixed at Rs. 30 per share carrying a premium of Rs. 20 per share over the par value of Rs. 10. The public floatation was heavily over subscribed to the tune of Rs. 19.17 billion. This was the biggest and most successful public issue in the history of the stock market in Pakistan.

· The Government floated an additional 5 million PTC Vouchers in the international market. The disinvestment of 5 million PTC Vouchers was about 9.8% of the total share of PTC. The Government fetched Rs 55 per share i.e. Rs.45 premium. The success of this placement was acclaimed throughout the world.

POWER SECTOR (WAPDA)

· The Peoples Government amended the WAPDA Act allowing the privatisation of WAPDA's thermal generation units and area electricity boards.

· The first power plant privatized by the Peoples Government met with astounding success. The Government sold 26% shares in the Kot Addu Power station for $215 million which was much higher than the expected price. The Peoples Government also transferred $750 million debt to the successful bidder.

B. PRIVATIZATION AGENDA 1997-1998

To complete the privatisation of all government owned projects within two years using the same transparent procedure as adopted for the PTC and the Kot Addu transaction. The receipts of these sales will be earmarked to retire public debt.

CHAPTER 13 - NATIONAL DEFENCE

No country can compromise on its defence capabilities and the Pakistan Peoples party has been in the forefront of the struggle to safeguard the country's territorial frontier. The Peoples Government of Quaid-e-Awam gave the country the peaceful nuclear programme which is the sheet anchor of our security umbrella.

A. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN DEFENCE 1993-1996

· The Peoples Government of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto saved the nuclear programme from unilateral rollback.

· The Peoples Government of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto established the Missile Board to combat the threat of Indian missile technology
.
· The People Government of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto threatened to react if India detonated a nuclear device.

· The Peoples Government's diplomatic efforts resulted in rapprochement with the worlds sole super power, the United States. The Peoples Government's policies led to the Brown Amendment and the release of vital military equipment to shore up Pakistan's defences and provided the framework for the return of monies frozen in the F-16 deal .

· Purchases of Agosta submarines and second hand mirage jets and advance negotiations for the purchase of tanks from Eastern Europe, despite deficit cuts, strengthened the armed forces.

B. AGENDA FOR DEFENCE 1997-2002

· Although it will be the People Government endeavor to bring about reduction in defence expenditure through mutual armed reduction treaty with India and better efficiencies within the armed forces, the Peoples Government will fully support the modernization of the armed services for effective defence against outside aggression. Programmes for indigenization of the development of armaments through improvement of technology will be fully supported.

· The Peoples Party believes that due to its pragmatic and well respected foreign policy, it will be in a relatively far better position to acquire any required armaments and technology required for defence.

The Peoples Government will not unilaterally sign the NPT unless there is a mutual agreement with India. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party reiterates its firm policy and pledge to the international community that nuclear technology will only be for peaceful purposes.

CHAPTER 14 - FOREIGN POLICY

When Peoples Government was dismissed on November 5, 1996, Pakistan's prestige stood high in the world. Even the President had to grudgingly admit the success of the Peoples Government foreign policy. However, the removal of the Peoples Government has badly tarnished the image of the country and the activities of the Caretakers have made the country a laughing stock in the world community and led to the outside world questioning the very viability of Pakistan.

In setting foreign policy goals and objective we must remember that the cold war is over and that Pakistan must establish its own identity and stand on its own feet. The crux of that identity is Muslim and Asian in character. Pakistan must also rely on larger and better economic ties with other countries as a long term basis of developing relations with them.

The Peoples Government's foreign policy is based on the following:

· Resolution of the Kashmir issue remains our destiny;

· Our friendship with China remains the corner stone of our Foreign Policy;

· Our historical identity as Muslims means special relations with Muslim countries. The Peoples Government will counter anti Islamic propoganda with Pakistan being the role model of an enlightened, modern, progressive, moderate Islamic society;

· Being Asian we will be reaching out in particular to the Gulf, Central and East Asia;

· Relations with the Japan , Korea and Malaysia need to be strengthened;

· The growing tension in the Muslim World requires us to help our friends, without taking sides, and should the need arise, assist as a peace-keeping force in coordination with the United Nations.

· Base our relations with Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics on strong economic ties and on the principle of non-interference.

· Relations with the USA, Russia and G7 countries will be focused on the Kashmir dispute, trade and investment, combating terrorism and narcotics;

· Iran remains of strategic importance to Pakistan;

· The stability of Saudi Arabia is essential to the stability of the Gulf;

· Regional activities in CEO and SAARC will be promoted.

· Pakistan must establish strong political and economically with South Africa and other fast developing African States.

The leaders of the Muslim World accepted the invitation extended to them by the People Government on behalf of Pakistan to hold an Islamic Summit in Pakistan in Pakistan's Golden Jubilee year. This Summit is important to build consensus among Islamic States on political and economic issues, like Kashmir and would have assisted Pakistan in creating stronger economic ties with its Muslim brothers. The People Party believes that the holding of the Summit is vital importance to Pakistan's national interest.

CHAPTER 15 - MINORITIES

AGENDA FOR MINORITIES
· The right of dual vote be given to religious minorities in order to ensure their participation in the national affairs until the Assembly re-enacts the single vote and reserved seats for minorities as envisaged by the Constitution of 1993;.

· Delimitation of NA/PA constituencies be effected in order to bring the system at par with real democratic practices;

· Religious Minority Communities be represented in the Senate of Pakistan;
· Laws, already enacted to threaten the members of religious minority communities, shall be amended;

· In future, legislation, which may create misunderstanding of any kind, among minority and majority communities, should not be enacted;

· A minimum quota of 5% be reserved and fixed for ever, for the students of minority communities, in professional colleges/universities/institutions. Similarly minority students be given foreign scholarships for higher studies;.

· A minimum quota of 5% be allotted to the minority communities in the central and provincial services of Pakistan;

· Due share should be given to minorities in the housing schemes;

· A special portion be earmarked in the grant of loans for starting small businesses by the members of minorities.

CHAPTER 16 - ENVIRONMENT

The Peoples Government assigned high priority to environmental protection and pollution control. It established a number of programmes to combat environmental issues in an effective manner. The Peoples Government upgraded the Environment Ministry with a full time Minister. A comprehensive Environmental Protection Act introduced in 1996 established the authority of Environmental Protection Agency to set and enforce National Environmental Quality Standards.

The Peoples Government placed afforestation at the top of its agenda. During 1995-96 alone 72.9 million trees on 158,434 acres were planted as part of Peoples Government's afforestation programme.

The tackle the problems of pollution and to educate the public of its importance to Pakistan Environment Education was introduced in schools and environmental education was fully disseminated through radio and T.V. NGOs were fully supported in their environmental programmes and the Government provided financial support for their efforts.

The Pakistan Peoples Party renews and reiterates its commitment to the environmental cause.

CHAPTER 17 - SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

· Research and Development for Science and Technology is the cornerstone of the nation's future productivity and potential. The Peoples Government undertakes:

· To actively and forcefully pursue the objectives set out in the Technology Policy to promote innovative, indigenous and cheap technology;

· A major restructuring of the S & T institutions at the national and provincial levels with an aim to eliminate waste, non-productive manpower, and to maximize resources, production of indigenous machinery and processes to enhance industrial, and agricultural production.

· All work undertaken in the S & T organizations will be assessed on the basis of its practical and useful application to national requirements and contribution to GDP.
· Performance will be the criterion for promotions and postings and appointments in S&T institutions;

· Service structure will be in line with the particular requirements of a professional cadre of scientists and technologists;

· Specific linkages will be established with the private sector for promoting reverse engineering and responding to the needs of the small and large scale entrepreneur;

· A percentage of the GNP will be allocated to R&D;.

· Top most priority will be given to the development of solar energy and alternate renewable energy sources;

· High priority will be given to R& DT for preventing soil erosion, developing bio-mass agro processes, preserving cultivable lands, improving crop yield and variety.

CHAPTER 18 - CULTURE

Pakistan's Cultural heritage needs to be understood, preserved and promoted to maintain our cultural identity. To ensure an organic relationship between culture and development. We will provide conducive environment for the growth and promotion of Pakistani Culture. In order to fulfill this pledge the party will undertake the following objectives:

· To preserve Pakistan's cultural heritage in all fields such as literature, architecture, sports, music, dance folklore, artifacts, performing arts, painting, crafts, movies, telephone broadcasting and other fields related culture.

· To provide a free and healthy environment for the promotion of all cultural activities at different levels of society.

· To channelize the thoughts and aspirations of our artists, intellectuals, musicians, singers, poets, writers, artisans, architects, stage and film and film artists, dancers, and other related with cultural activities towards the process of national integration.

· To provide appropriate forums for training, education and performance of different cultural activities and performing arts at various levels.

· To eradicate the culture of violence, intolerance and fanaticism through education and legislation.

· To develop multi-media and improve the entertainment programmes, opening up new channels and introducing latest technologies in articulating Pakistan's cultural activities on various forums.

· To seek a balance between our spiritual cultural and its material dimensions.
· To inculcate quest for inquiry and research in application of modern technology to our social and economic needs through critical thinking and constructive reasoning.

· To highlight and develop the principles laid down by Islam and the founding father of Pakistan in the promotion of our culture.

To ensure a healthy interaction with other cultures through cultural exchange programmes, exhibitions, and international moots, especially in South Asia.

LITERATURE

The rich heritage of Pakistani literature has not been fully disseminated within the country as well as abroad. We will undertake the following steps in order to promote literature:

· Literature in all languages of Pakistan will be encouraged, published and disseminated.

· Under the auspices of the Academy of Letters an ambitious plan of translating literature in Pakistani languages, national language and in the languages of the United Nations will be printed and through foreign missions and UNESCO its dissemination will be made possible.

· Literary seminars will be held in order to highlight relationship between literature, democracy and culture.

· A pool for endowment will be created to help those literary figures who need assistance for publication of their works.

· Special Literary Awards will be instituted to honour distinguished writers.
· Non-governmental literary societies will be encouraged, patronized and supported in order to ensure healthy exchange of ideas at all levels.

LANGUAGES

All languages of Pakistan deserves to be properly placed in the realm of our linguistic traditions. Therefore to achieve this objective following steps will be taken:
· Various languages spoken in Pakistan such as Pashto, Baluchi, Brahvi, Punjabi, Seraiki, Dardic, Kashmiri, etc., will be development and documented.
· A healthy relationship will be encouraged between these languages and the national language of Pakistan.

· A linguistic survey of Pakistan will be commissioned which will be completed by the Academy of Letters in order to give proper recognition to various linguistic groups.

· Literature produced in the Pakistani languages will be preserved, printed and disseminated through the help of various literary societies as well as the Academy of Letters.

· A scientific process of teaching languages at various levels of instruction will be maintained.

· A comprehensive catalogue of linguistic developments and their relationship with culture and ethnicity will be compiled.

CONCLUSION

THE ROAD TO A STABLE DEMOCRACY

We realize that the transformation from absolute dictatorship to stable democracy cannot be overnight. The system shall continue to be threatened by vested interests, agents of foreign powers who will take the advantage of different prejudices present in the society and anomalies injected in the Constitution by the Dictator. It is unfortunate that four successive elected governments have faced dissolution.

The failure of political parties to reach consensus on vital issues has been one reason. This has also resulted in politicizing other institutions of the state, which do not have a political role. It would be wrong to blame any particular political party. The failure to reach a consensus among ourselves should better be called our joint failure. But it is also heartening that political consciousness about the need of protecting the will of the people against the whims of an individual is fast growing.

Our loyalty to the country and to the democratic cause precedes our loyalty to our respective political parties. Let us not think like mere politicians. Let us think of the collective interests of the people of Pakistan. Democracy provides us with a framework to settle our political differences in periodic elections. It basically works as a system which overcomes polarization and fragmentation of society and unites the people. Let us think as statesmen.

We have remained in the opposition long enough to realize that in Pakistan given situation the opposition needs genuine protections. we are most keen to start a political dialogue with other representative political parties to jointly frame measures which shall allow the democratic system to work without impediments. These measures include correcting the anomalies in the Constitution.

We reaffirm our deep commitment to our founding principles and the sacred purpose for which the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Chairman Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and other party cadre embraced Shahadat. In spite of the fact that we had to tread a very difficult path, our faith in the rights and the capabilities of our people remains unshaken and as always we offer ourselves as the political voice of the deprived, the disadvantaged and the discriminated.