Dr. Rashid Ahmad Khan*

 

ccording to Chambers 20th Century Dictionary, manifesto means “a public written declaration of the intentions, opinions, or motives of a sovereign or of a leader, party or body.”[1] The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines manifesto as “written statement in which a group of people, especially a political party explain their beliefs and say what they will do if they win an election.”[2]

            From the above definitions it can be inferred that a manifesto does not merely consist of programmes and policies that a political party, group or leader plans to pursue after elections, that it also contains as its integral part the ideology, outlook and worldview of that party, group or leader on whose behalf the manifesto is issued. As it is apparent from the definition, a manifesto is issued on the eve of elections, primarily with a view to attracting the largest possible number of voters. For this reason, those issues that agitate the minds of the people are accorded special place in the manifesto. Special care is taken to highlight the problems that the people face and solutions are suggested that appeal to them. Since a manifesto reflects the ideology, beliefs, opinions, motives and intentions of a political party or a leader, then in a multi-party system, the manifestos of different political parties are bound to contain areas of convergence as well as divergence of views of the contesting parties on similar problems. In this paper, an attempt has been made to compare the manifestos of three major political parties (alliances), who contested Pakistan’s general elections held on October 10, 2002. The objective of this study is to highlight the similarities and dissimilarities of views as stated in the October 10 election manifestos of Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-e-Azam) PML(Q), Pakistan People’s Party-Parliamentarians (PPP-P) and Muttehdda Majlis-e-Amal[3] (MMA) on major internal and external problems of Pakistan. The reason behind the selection of these political parties for this exercise is that PML(Q), PPP-P and MMA were the top three scorers in the elections. Out of 272 contested seats of the National Assembly, PPP-P bagged 63 seats and secured 7,361,423 of the total number of votes cast. The tallies of PML(Q) and MMA are 80 and 45 seats with a total number of 6,898,587 and 3,181,483 votes, respectively. Taken together, these three political parties captured 188 out of 272 (more than 69 per cent) contested seats of the National Assembly. During the elections, all the three political parties articulated with full force and power of conviction their respective views on important policy issues confronting Pakistan on the domestic and foreign fronts. These political parties, especially MMA claimed that they achieved spectacular success in the elections on the basis of their programmes as outlined in their manifestos.
             A comparative study of the manifestos of these three parties, therefore, will also be useful for the purpose of understanding the emerging trends in the October 10 elections and consequent alignment of political forces on important national issues.

 

Background of the October Elections - 2002

            The Parliamentary Elections of October 10, 2002 were held by the military government of President General Pervez Musharraf under the instructions contained in the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision in Zafar Ali Shah Vs Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Case, May 2000, popularly known as Zafar Ali Shah Case. In its decision, the apex court had validated the assumption of power by the COAS on October 12, 1999, made the Proclamation of Emergency issued on October 14, 1999 and the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) No. 1 of 1999 under the doctrine of necessity, and instructed the Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf to hold elections and transfer power to the elected civilian representatives of people within three years i.e., before October 12, 2002. On July 10, 2002, it was announced that the elections for the Senate, National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies would be held on October 10, 2002. Before the announcement of the election date, the military government had announced a number of political reforms by amending, changing or making addition to various articles/clauses of the 1973 Constitution. The package under which these reforms/constitutional amendments were announced is known as Legal Framework Order (LFO). The LFO was issued by the Chief Executive on August 22, 2002, for “smooth and orderly transition” and, “in pursuance of the Proclamation of Emergency of the fourteenth day of October, 1999, read with the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) No. 1 of 1999, and in pursuance of the powers vested in him by and under the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, dated the 12th May, 2000.”[4]

            The LFO contained 29 constitutional amendments, changes or additions to the 1973 Constitution. Some of these amendments were directly relevant to the elective bodies, mode of elections, conduct of elections and political parties. For example, under LFO:

 

1. The number of seats in the National Assembly was raised from 217 to 342, including 10 seats reserved for the non-Muslims.
2. The number of seats reserved for women in the National Assembly was to be 60.
3. Members to the seats reserved for women, which were allocated to a province were to be elected through proportional representation system of political parties’ list of candidates on the basis of total number of general seats secured by each political party from the province concerned in the National Assembly.
4. By an amendment in Article 58, a new Clause (b) was added, under which the President got the power to dissolve the National Assembly, if a situation had arisen in which the Government of the Federation could not be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and an appeal to the electorate was necessary.
5. With addition of a new clause in Article 63, no person could contest elections for the legislative bodies if he/she was convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction on a charge of corrupt practice, moral turpitude or misuse of power or authority under any law for the time being in force; or for being absconder or defaulter on government loans or utility bills, in excess of Rs. 10,000.00.
6. The number of seats in the Provincial Assemblies was also increased in the following order:

 

Province	General	Women	Non-Muslims	Total
Balochistan	51	11	3	65
NWFP	99	22	3	124
Punjab	297	66	8	371
Sind	130	29	9	168
TOTAL	577	128	23	728

 

7. By inserting a new Article (152 A), National Security Council (NSC) was set up.
8. The intra-party elections were made essential for a political party to take part in elections.

             In addition to these reforms and constitutional amendments, two other decisions with far reaching impact on the October elections were taken. They were the lowering of voting age to 18 years and the restoration of joint electorate. The original 1973 Constitution contained the provisions of holding elections on the basis of joint electorate and allowing the adult population of Pakistan with minimum age of 18 years the right to vote in the elections. But General Zia-ul-Haque (1977-88) substituted them with separate electorate and 21 years as the voting age. The system of electorate from separate to joint, was changed on the persistent and unanimous demand of the minorities; whereas, the voting age was lowered with a view to broadening the base of participatory democracy in Pakistan. As a result, the size of electorate increased considerably.

            According to the election schedule announced on July 10, the submission of nomination papers of the candidates was to start from August 20; whereas, the final list of the candidates whose papers were accepted, was to be announced on September 17. As such, political parties were given only 22 days for electioneering, although ban on political activities was lifted on September 1.

            129 political parties, including PML(Q), PPP-P and MMA, applied to the Election Commission (EC) of Pakistan for permission to take part in October 10 elections. The EC scrutinized the documents i.e., constitution, certificate of intra-party polls and other information furnished by these parties, under The Political Parties Order 2002. After scrutiny, the EC declared 71 political parties eligible to contest the October 10 elections. PML(Q), PPP-P and MMA were among these 71 political parties.

            On August 21, the EC announced a Code of Conduct for political parties to follow during the election campaign that was to start from September 1, 2002. The Code of Conduct contained 21 restrictions on the political parties. According to these restrictions, no political party was allowed to propagate any opinion, or act in any manner, prejudicial to the ideology, sovereignty, integrity and security of Pakistan, or the morality or the maintenance of public order, or the integrity or the independence of judiciary of Pakistan, or defame or bring into ridicule the judiciary or armed forces of Pakistan; as provided under Article 63 of the Constitution. The candidates were also forbidden to launch attacks on the private lives of their rivals during the election campaign. The candidates were not allowed to resort to corrupt practices like the bribing of voters, intimidation of voters or canvassing within 400 yards of the polling station and holding public meetings 48 hours before the time fixed for the close of polls. Processions were allowed but only on the condition that the candidates or political parties shall decide beforehand the time and place of the starting of the procession, the route to be followed, and the time and place at which the procession will terminate.

On August 27, the Federal Government announced the lifting of the ban on political parties from September 1, 2002. But announcing the decision, the government overruled the code of conduct issued earlier by the EC maintaining restrictions on rallies and processions. According to the new code of conduct, election rallies and processions on roads, streets, railway stations, etc., were disallowed as a part of the political activity.[5] The new order also spelt out a number of conditions regarding the public meetings to be held by the political parties during the election campaign. According to the conditions announced by the government, political meetings were only to be organized at places or areas specified by the district or provincial governments “in order to prevent public inconvenience and to maintain normal public life.” The announcement of the government further said that the district and provincial governments in consultation with the political party concerned, would decide well in advance the time, place and other details of the meetings, and normally no deviation in the agreed programme should be allowed.[6]

 

Election Campaign and Major Issues

            For 272 general seats of the National Assembly, PML(Q),  PPP-P and MMA fielded 197, 232 and 183 candidates respectively. With the lifting of the ban on political activities from September 1, 2002, the contesting parties and candidates started their full-fledged election campaign within the parameters set by the government for restricted and controlled electioneering.  All the three parties held public meetings in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta. In these big public meetings, and at rallies held at other places, the political parties presented their programmes of action as outlined in their manifestos and expressed their opinions on important issues and problems being faced by the people. MMA held a big public meeting in Karachi on September 8. Speaking at the meeting a central leader of MMA and Ameer, Jamaat Islami (JI), Qazi Hussain Ahmad said that if voted to power, MMA would enforce Islamic system in Pakistan and implement the recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on the Islamisation of existing laws in the country. He also said that MMA would fight against secular forces and that it provided an alternative leadership in the country.[7]In order to mobilize the people in its favour, the MMA adopted an innovative tactic of Train March from Rawalpindi to Karachi. The first Train March of MMA was organized on August 28 from Rawalpindi in which almost all the central leaders of MMA participated. Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Shah Ahmad Noorani, Chairman MMA and President of Jamiatul Ulema-e-Pakistan (Noorani), declared that the religious parties grouped into MMA would strive for the elimination of culture of injustice and tyranny, reducing unemployment, enforcing shariat and ending lawlessness.[8] The second phase of MMA Train March was organized at Lahore Railway Station on September 7. But the police foiled it as the government, under the new code of conduct issued on August 28, had banned the political activities at railway stations. The police also arrested all the central leaders and a dozen of workers belonging to MMA, but they were released after a few hours. When the train reached Multan, a large crowd of charged workers received the leaders of MMA. The police arrested 35 persons at Multan Railway Station and resorted to baton charge at Okara, Khanewal and Bahawalpur.[9] Though MMA held public meetings and organized rallies in different cities of Punjab and Sindh, its main focus was on NWFP and Balochistan. In their speeches at different places in these two provinces, the leaders of MMA denounced the policies of the US and Britain on Afghanistan and Indian atrocities in Kashmir. They also made it clear that they did not want Pakistan to come under the influence of the Western Powers. “MMA,” said Maulana Samiul Haque, while speaking at an election rally at Attock, “was opposed to the influence of Bush, Blair and Bajpayee (BBB) on Islamabad.” He further said that those who were opposing MMA and did not want it to come to power, were, in fact working for BBB’s influence on Islamabad.[10]

            Like MMA, PML(Q) and PPP-P also held public meetings and election rallies within the constraints of the limits imposed by the government under the new code of conduct. Due to the restrictions imposed by the government, the election campaign remained lacklustre and, in the opinion of some analysts, even without any major issue. “The traditional election frenzy experienced in the previous elections is conspicuous by its absence,” wrote Pakistan’s leading daily, Dawn, while commenting on the state of electioneering for October 10 polls.[11] The situation did not undergo any significant change even with the approach of polling date. “The election campaign,” reported The Frontier Post from Kohat, only a week before polling day, “has yet to gain momentum,” and observed, “unlike last elections, polls this time have failed to generate enthusiasm among the masses.”[12] One reason given for the lacklustre nature of the election campaign was the absence of the top leadership of the two mainstream political parties from the country, namely Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz Sharif) [PML(N)] and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, President of PML(N), whose government was removed by COAS, General Pervez Musharraf on October 12, 1999, was living in exile in Saudi Arabia. Benazir Bhutto was also living outside the country in self-imposed exile. In their absence, the second rank leadership took command of their parties. But this leadership failed to mobilize their vote bank effectively.

            However, electioneering did pick up to some extent as the political parties completed the process of finalizing the lists of their candidates and seat adjustment arrangements amongst each other. Despite the fact that campaign for the October 10 elections remained at a low key and free from big controversies, there were a number of issues and demands raised by the leadership of PML(Q), PPP-P and MMA, while addressing public meetings and election rallies. We will discuss these issues and demands of these three political parties while analysing and comparing their respective manifestos. It will enable us to make a comparison in a broader perspective. While comparing the manifestos of PML(Q), PPP-P and MMA, we will first focus on those issues and demands over which there is similarity of views among these political parties.

 

Law and Order, Security and Rule of Law

            All the three parties have recognized in their manifestos the need to ensure security to every citizen particularly weak sections of the society to maintain the rule of law and to improve the law and order situation in the country, which has markedly deteriorated over the last few decades. For this purpose, PML(Q) pledged in its manifesto:

 

a.       The rule of law shall be upheld at all costs throughout the country.

b.      The state functionaries shall protect the weak against the powerful.

c.       Police reforms shall be carried out to make the police service an efficient and citizen friendly institution.

d.      In order to reduce delay, judicial procedure shall be modernized and simplified wherever possible.

e.       Legal aid schemes shall be set up for the needy, especially for orphans, women and other less privileged sections of the society.

f.        The role of Punchayat shall be strengthened at district, tehsil and village levels.[13]

 

MMA, in its 15-point Manifesto promised to “ensure uniform and quick justice to every citizen, from the president to an ordinary layman.”[14] The leaders of MMA elaborated their concept of justice, social peace and rule of law in their speeches during the election campaign. While addressing a public meeting in Karachi on September 8, 2002, MMA Chief Maulana Shah Ahmad Noorani declared that MMA, after being voted to power, would turn the country into a “cradle of peace,” free from Klashinkov culture. Another central leader of MMA, Qazi Hussain Ahmad, who is also Ameer Jamaat Islami (JI), declared at the same meeting that MMA had not given any negative programme; instead it had come up with a positive programme based on Islamic shariat in the form of its manifesto. He demanded the enforcement of recommendations of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), which covered all aspects of life, including judiciary and police administration.[15]

PPP-P in its manifesto, promised to give Pakistan and the region, “peace within and peace without” with honour and dignity. This implied that PPP-P recognized a link between security inside the country and external security i.e., security in the region. For this purpose, the manifesto contained an outline of party’s stand on Kashmir and relations with the neighbours, especially India. According to the manifesto, “the PPP-P, without prejudice to the UN Security Council resolutions, supports open and safe borders at the Line of Control (LOC) to socially unite the Kashmiri people. It notes that India and China have a border dispute and yet enjoy tension free relations. It seeks to reduce tension with India through peaceful negotiations to outstanding disputes and issues.”[16]In the manifesto, PPP-P underlined the importance of the rule of law by describing it as “the basis of civilized society.” In order to protect the rule of law on permanent basis, the party proposed the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The purpose of this body, as given in the manifesto, is “to acknowledge victims of political injustice who fell prey to state sponsored perversion of justice to meet the end of an unholy agenda to destroy trust in public representatives and promote militarism of society.”[17]

    

 Economic Development, Eradication of Poverty and Welfare of the People

            Like the problem of law and order and the importance of providing security to the people, the three political parties were also well aware of the need for reviving the economy, especially industrial production and working towards the reduction of poverty level in the country. In this regard, MMA promised to “ensure provision of bread, clothes, shelter, education, jobs and marriage expenses to all citizens.” The MMA had its own perception of an economic system. In its election manifesto, it said that MMA would strive to “create an independent, just and humane economic system where citizens would be provided opportunities for halal jobs, business and investment.” The MMA also pledged to “abolish all chronic and new feudal system with forfeiture of illegal wealth and its distribution among the poor.” It also promised to provide land to the peasants and farmers for their livelihood and guarantee reasonable price to their produce.”[18]

            In its detailed manifesto, PML(Q) gave a prominent place to its views on economic policy. In the economic field, the manifesto of PML(Q) laid more emphasis on “revival of the industry through better management and improving investment climate.” The manifesto recognized that deteriorating law and order situation was one of the reasons for the slow growth of the economy. In its manifesto, therefore, it announced its “commitment to revive the economic functions” through a programme of restructuring of the government, streamlining of the tax collection system and by improving the law and order situation.[19] PPP-P promised to increase labour wages and ensure the implementation of ILO laws, providing relief to the middle classes and improving the lot of agricultural workers. Regarding poverty, PPP-P made a pledge to eradicate it by ensuring that the social sector budget was increased. “It is by investing in our young people that we can build a progressive and prosperous society,” said the manifesto of the PPP-P.[20]

 

Education, Employment and Social Development

            In their manifestos, all the three political parties recognized the importance of education as an absolutely necessary condition for social and economic development.  Declaring that education was a key to the empowerment of the people, the manifesto of PPP-P promised that “text books to government primary schools would be provided free of cost; while a means test will make students eligible to additional government support.” The manifesto also promised that the libraries would be promoted and vocational centres, on the pattern of Computer Literacy Programme, would be enhanced. “PPP-P,” said the manifesto of the Party, “commits itself to its sons and daughters an education that enables a brighter future than that of their parents so that they can hold their heads high in the comity of nations.”[21]

            The manifesto of PML(Q) said that, “education shall become the top priority of the government, which shall aim to raise the educational standards to levels that compare favourably with the countries of middle level income.” The manifesto of PML(Q) promised 100 per cent literacy by 2012 and 100 per cent school age going attendance at primary level. It had also been promised in the manifesto that all students up to matriculation level would be provided free education. Scholarships shall be provided to outstanding students at different levels of education. The manifesto also promised to take all necessary steps for the improvement of higher education.[22]

            The manifesto of MMA also pledged to, “ensure compulsory and free of charge education till matriculation and provide opportunities to meritorious students and scholars for advanced research.”[23]

 

Form of Government, Constitution and Political System

            Though not specially mentioned in their manifestos, all the three parties were, of course, committed to the existing (federal parliamentary) form of government. None of the parties expressed their desire to replace the present political system of Pakistan based on the 1973 Constitution. “Pakistan,” says the manifesto of PML(Q), “was envisioned as a modern, democratic, welfare (state) based on Islamic principles and values. Its polity is based on the principles of federation with a parliamentary system of government.” In the manifesto of the PML(Q) various measures were promised to strengthen the democratic, parliamentary and federal character of Pakistan’s political system, which included; (1) doing away with legislation by Presidential Ordinances; (2) making the functioning of parliamentary committees more efficient; (3) making all major policy decisions on the floor of the parliament; (4) introduction of appropriate legislation for funding of political parties by companies, societies, public bodies or individuals; and (5) transfer of more funds from the federation to the provinces through the National Finance Commission.[24]

            By recognizing the need for strengthening provincial autonomy, the manifesto of MMA also accepted the federal and parliamentary character of the political system of Pakistan. In their speeches at different public meetings and election rallies, all the central leaders of MMA made clear their commitment to democracy, federal-parliamentary form of government and upholding the 1973 Constitution. “We all agree,” said Qazi Hussain Ahmad, Vice Chairman of MMA,” that Constitution (1973) is an undisputed document, which should not be distorted by arbitrary amendments; and Parliament was supreme body, which should not be dwarfed by a supra-constitutional body like National Security Council.”[25] Similar views were expressed by the leader of PPP-P, Mr. Amin Fahim on the supremacy of Parliament and inviolability of the Constitution. “PPP-P,” he said in a statement, “would not compromise on the principles of parliamentary supremacy and inviolability of the Constitution while forming the government.” Another senior leader of PPP-P, Mr. Raza Rabbani, while echoing the views of Mr. Amin Fahim, said, “We will move ahead with MMA for the restoration of 1973 Constitution and rejection of LFO.”[26]

            Thus, so far as the form of government, constitution, character of political system and nature of Pakistan’s polity was concerned; there was unanimity of views among PML(Q), PPP-P and MMA. The three parties were also committed to carrying out their political activities within the framework of Westminster type of parliamentary form of government, which recognizes the parliament as supreme body. The three parties also supported the 1973 Constitution as a consensus constitution.

            The comparison of the manifestos of the three political parties also revealed that there was similarity of views among them on the nature of internal problems faced by Pakistan. In this regard, all the three parties attached top priority to the problem of restoring peace, harmony and law and order. The three parties were convinced that an improvement in the law and order situation held the key to the revival of the economy, and the increase investment. The three parties also recognized growing poverty as a serious problem and came forward with a number of suggestions for its eradication. There was also an agreement among these three political parties that education was a necessary condition for the achievement of goals of national development. The three parties favoured an open and free-market economy, although in its manifesto, the MMA emphasized the “humane” nature of the economic system. Similarly, PPP-P and PML(Q) emphasized the protection of the rights of workers and peasants.

            It was also clear, from a comparison of the manifestos of the three political parties, that they believed in and supported the fundamental human rights, including the right to life, liberty, property and honour. All the three political parties supported democracy, political pluralism, the right to vote for every adult man and woman and a directly elected supreme parliament. In one of his recent statements, Maulana Fazalur Rehman, the Chief of JUI(F) and Secretary General of MMA said that MMA would work for the strengthening of democracy in Pakistan and would not support any move that was aimed at derailing the democratic process in the country. He also said that MMA did not believe in the policy of confrontation. Removing the apprehensions regarding the future programme of MMA, he categorically stated that there would be no attempt to impose “Islamic system” against the wishes of the people. What MMA wanted, he said, was that the recommendations of CII should be implemented. So far as Islamic system was concerned, he made it clear that it would be imposed only when there was a suitable environment.[27] These views on the political system of Pakistan hardly conflicted with the views held by PML(Q) and PPP-P on the nature of Pakistan’s polity.

 

Differences

            There were certain policy issues over which these political parties had adopted sharply contrasting postures. We shall now identify those issues and compare the respective stands of PML(Q), PPP-P and MMA. While doing so, we shall put these issues in perspective, so that there is a better understanding of the party line projected in the manifestos of these political parties. The issues being identified cover the internal as well as external politics of Pakistan, and are the result of most recent developments, both on the domestic and global fronts.

 

Foreign Policy, War Against Terrorism, Jehad and Kashmir

            In its manifesto, MMA pledged to “get the country and people rid of influence of imperialistic forces and their local agents.” It also promised “to extend moral, political and diplomatic help and support to all suppressed (people) with particular emphasis on Kashmiris, Palestinians, Afghans and Chechnians.” These two statements reflected the oft-repeated and well-known position of MMA opposing Pakistan’s decision to join the US and international community in a global coalition against terrorism represented by Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. MMA strongly denounced the presence of US forces in Pakistan and grant of permission to the US for the use of Pakistan’s ground facilities and air space for bombing over Afghanistan in the wake of 9/11 incidents. After the ouster of Taliban from power last year, the US shifted its war against the Taliban from Afghanistan to the border regions of the country along Pakistan’s tribal areas. The US forces, in close cooperation with Pakistani forces had carried out raids to nab the fleeing elements of Taliban and Al-Qaeda. These actions were strongly resented by the tribal people and MMA lent whole-hearted support to them.

Four of the six parties grouped into MMA, namely JI, JUI(F), JUI(S) and JAH, have been very closely associated with the Afghanistan problem, both during the Soviet occupation and after the withdrawal of Soviet forces from the country. In the war of resistance waged by the people of Afghanistan against the invading Soviet forces, JI played an active role by allowing its trained activists to join the Afghan jehad (holy war) and facilitating the distribution of large-scale international humanitarian assistance to millions of Afghan refugees who had taken shelter in Pakistan. JUI(F) and JUI(S) were also involved in this process, but JI played a dominant role due to its special relationship with the government of late General Zia-ul-Haque and some of the Afghan mujahideen groups, like Hizb-e-Islami of Gulbadin Hikmatyar, who was at that time the blue-eyed boy of the US. Since Pakistan and an overwhelming number of the world’s nations, especially the US and Western countries, fully supported the Afghan war of resistance against the Soviet Union, the open and active involvement of Pakistan’s political parties, like JI, was not only endorsed by the government of Pakistan, but was actively encouraged. This involvement continued even after the withdrawal of the Soviet forces in 1989 and Pakistani based Afghan mujahdeen groups received all kinds of help in their bid to capture power in Kabul. During this period, the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan virtually ceased to exist, making it easy for men and material to move across the border between the two countries. Pakistan’s tribal areas lying close to its borders with Afghanistan, served as base areas for the mujahideen who first struggled against the Soviet invaders and then fought a bitter civil war among themselves to establish their hegemony in Afghanistan. Under the Taliban, these ties, mostly based on ethnic affinities, were reinforced.

            When the Americans launched their air attacks against the Taliban in October 2001, there was, quite understandably, a strong reaction in the tribal areas against the American action. Thousands of volunteers crossed into Afghanistan from the tribal areas of Pakistan to take part in what they perceived was a jehad against the US and its allies i.e., the forces of the Northern Alliance. The anger against the American military action in Afghanistan turned into a strong protest against the government of President General Pervez Musharraf, who had agreed to provide the Americans logistical assistance in carrying out air attacks on Taliban positions in Afghanistan. The people of Pakistan’s tribal areas have directly been affected by America’s war against the Taliban and the Al-Qaeda of Osama bin Laden. This resentment of the local people was strongly articulated by JI, JUI(F) and JUI(S) in the form of, firstly, protest movement, and then, into election slogans. The protest movement and agitation launched immediately after the start of American bombing against Afghanistan on October 8, 2001 was aimed at forcing the Musharraf regime to change its pro-US policy. But it failed to achieve its objective, as the agitation did not receive an encouraging response from Punjab and Sindh. But anti-US and anti-Musharraf slogans and programmes outlined in the manifesto of MMA received dividends in the form of election gains that surpassed even the wildest dreams of the religious zealots.

            MMA based its election campaign on the issue of American bombing on Afghanistan and pursuit of Taliban and Al-Qaeda elements in the tribal areas of Pakistan. As a senior leader of MMA, Hafiz Hussain Ahmad, remarked at the beginning of the election campaign, “The alliance will be pushing election campaign on the basis of the realities and developments of 9/11 and post-September devastating reaction shown by the West in the region.”[28] Qazi Hussain Ahmad launched his election campaign from Chakdara, North West Frontier Province (NWFP), with a blistering attack on the US and its policies in the region. “The United States,” said Qazi Hussain Ahmad, while addressing an election rally, “wants to avenge the tribesmen in the name of operation against so called Al-Qaeda and reach Pakistan’s sensitive installations.” He criticized President General Pervez Musharraf for “extending support to allied forces,” and said that the “Americans and allied forces had launched a crusade against Muslims in the name of so called war on terror and operations against Al-Qaeda.”[29] A candidate of MMA in NA-40 (North Wazirstan Agency) urged the electorate to resist the US policies in the region. “At present,” he said, “the US has focused attention on the tribal areas just for meeting her nefarious designs, which could effect the independence and autonomous status of the tribesmen.”[30] At a big public rally organized by MMA in Rawalpindi (Liaqat Bagh) on September 23, Maulana Shah Ahmad Noorani said, “the Americans have killed thousands of innocent Afghans with the help and assistance of Pakistan and now they were turning towards Pakistan.”[31]

            There is no doubt that MMA contested October 10 elections by raising the issue of American bombing on Afghanistan and operations against Al-Qaeda in the tribal areas. This was a fact that the top leadership of MMA openly admitted. In their speeches during the election campaign, the leaders of MMA made it clear that if voted to power, they would change the pro-US Afghan policy of the Musharraf government.” “We will withdraw this support (to the US on Afghanistan),” said Qazi Hussain Ahmad in a statement during the election campaign.[32]

            Both PML(Q) and PPP-P differed with MMA over the Afghan policy set by the military government of President and Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf. While discussing the foreign policy of the country in its manifesto, the PML(Q) suggested to have normal and friendly relations with Afghanistan under the rule of Hamid Karazai. The PML(Q) made no comment on the ongoing war against terrorism in its manifesto and instead of condemning American operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal areas, the manifesto of PML(Q) supported “all efforts for reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan.”[33] Unlike MMA, the PML(Q), supported President Pervez Musharraf and his policies, including constitutional changes. Speaking in the Meet the Press Programme in Lahore on September 15, 2002, Chaudhary Pervez Elahi, of PML(Q) said that his party would vote for President Musharraf to ensure his stay for five years, if needed. “His policies,” he said, “are good. The country is deriving benefit from him. Now we are heading towards true democracy. So we will vote for him,” Chaudhary Pervez Elahi said categorically. Strongly defending the constitutional changes and amendments introduced by President Musharraf under LFO, he said that any system without checks and balances was liable to fail and falter. However, he favoured a strong parliament, which should, in his view, focus on legislation.[34] In its manifesto, PML(Q) supported the Devolution Plan introduced by the military government and promised to strengthen the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) “ to carry out its duties without any hindrance.”[35]

            PPP-P rejected some of the constitutional amendments under LFO, but, at the same time, supported certain changes and political reforms of the military government, like expansion of women representation in the legislative bodies, reducing the voting age to 18 years and restoration of joint electorate for the minorities. The position of the Party on these issues was duly reflected in the manifesto. “PPP-P,” says its manifesto, “supports constitutional terms for district governments.” “The District Governments,” the manifesto further says, “should be independent of the Federal Authority and have an access to an appropriate and independent fiscal base within the parameters of provincial autonomy.”[36] PPP-P strongly differed with MMA over the issue of the war against terrorism and Pakistan’s decision to ally itself with the US in operations against Al-Qaeda. “PPP-P,” “says its Manifesto,” opposes terrorism and will continue the policy of present (Musharraf) regime to ally itself against the forces of terrorism.” Further elaborating party’s position on the issue of terrorism, the manifesto says, “The war against terror focuses attention on the danger of the rogue elements accessing nuclear systems of countries with inadequate Command and Control systems. The Nuclear Command and Control systems as well as nuclear safety measures will be ensured by the PPP-P government to allay fears about the safeguards of the nuclear assets.”[37]

            As a component party of Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD), PPP-P maintained that the 1973 Constitution should be restored in its original form. In this regard, a joint declaration was issued in Islamabad on September 5, on launching the election campaign from one platform with a focus on the restoration of 1973 Constitution. According to the ARD Chief, Nawabzada Nasarullah Khan, the election campaign of the alliance would specially target the military government (of President Musharraf) and his policies.[38] Speaking at an election rally in Quetta, on September 28, President PPP-P Makhdoom Amin Fahim accused the military government of usurping the rights of the people and said that if his party were voted to power, it would restore their rights.[39]

 

Governance, Corruption and Women Rights

            All the three parties have discussed and stated their respective views on the above issues i.e. governance, corruption and women rights, in their election manifestos. Despite the fact that these parties acknowledged the need to raise the status of women; wanted that the political power and authority should be used in a judicious, transparent and fair manner, and according to the principles of good governance; and that the polity of Pakistan should be free from the curse of corruption. They tended to view these issues in their own perspectives, which, basically, are similar but, on interpretation, betray serious differences of opinion. For example, MMA, in its manifesto, pledged, “to protect rights of women guaranteed by Islam and restoration of their honour and prestige.”[40] Explaining the MMA position on the rights of women, Qazi Hussain Ahmad, told a Women Convention in Peshawar on October 20 that if it came to power, the MMA would abolish co-education and establish women universities in the country.[41] MMA also expressed its reservations on the increase in women seats in the National Assembly and four provincial assemblies. But in its manifesto, PML(Q) committed itself to encouraging the women “to take part in elections for the National Assembly, Provincial Assemblies and Local Government Institutions.” The PML(Q) also advocated the involvement of women as workers in the industrial, agricultural and cooperative sectors; and a review of all discriminatory laws against women. The manifesto also recommended that in case of government or state land allotment, ownership should be in the name of husband and wife.[42] PPP-P, in its manifesto, pledged to protect the rights and promote the interests of women along with the rights and interests of minorities and children. In PPP-P’s view, the women, minorities and children constituted ‘disadvantaged groups’ who “have suffered a series of punishments, laws, public humiliation and gang rape, while the state watched helplessly.” The Party promised to “ undo laws that are discriminatory against minorities, women and children.” In the manifesto, the Party also pledged to “promote universal female literacy and protection of the child to honour our women and our future generations.” The PPP-P also declared that it would encourage non-government organizations (NGOs) as watchdogs for the empowerment of women and minorities.[43]

            All the three parties promised good governance in their manifestos. But their perceptions of good governance varied. MMA based its concept of good governance on “fear of God and affection to the Prophet (PBUH).” It also regarded the development of a “God fearing, helping and brave police system,” as a necessary element of good governance. MMA’s programme of liberating the entire society “within ten years to enable every one to know one’s rights and responsibilities,”[44] is also an integral part of its perception of good governance.

            PML(Q) believed that de-politicisation of bureaucracy was essential for the strengthening of the state institutions. In its manifesto, the PML(Q) pledged an austerity programme proposing reduction in the unnecessary government expenditure and restructuring of the government to make it effective, efficient and responsive to the needs of the citizens. The other measures suggested by PML(Q) in its manifesto for good governance were: devolution and decentralization of powers and authority; elimination of corrupt practices, strengthening of NAB and streamlining of the provincial anti-corruption department. The manifesto also pledged to withdraw all discretionary powers of the government functionaries.[45]

            PPP-P, in its manifesto, supported “an independent and impartial anti-corruption office to investigate every citizen of Pakistan, irrespective of the office that he or she holds.”[46] This body, according to the manifesto of PPP-P, it “would conduct itself according to the universal principles of due process rather than become the handmaiden of hostile regimes against political opponents.”[47]

 

Conclusion

            A comparison of the manifestos of PML(Q), PPP-P and MMA revealed that there were a number of areas, like parliamentary democracy, federalism, independence of judiciary, rule of law, eradication of poverty and education where there was a total consensus among these parties. They were committed to preserve the parliamentary and federal character of the constitution and supported the parameters of provincial autonomy as provided under the 1973 Constitution. All of them supported democracy, political pluralism and the right of universal adult franchise for the people of Pakistan. The three parties advanced similar programmes for raising the standard of education, ending unemployment and working for the welfare of the people. The parties also recognized law and order situation as a serious problem and made similar recommendations to improve it. The manifestos of the three parties contained solemn pledges for ending unemployment and lawlessness. These parties also favoured the creation of a peaceful environment for attracting foreign investment. All the three political parties declared in the manifestos their strong resolve to root out corruption, malpractices, favouritism and culture of violence from the society. The three parties also promised good governance, rule of law and strong state institutions if voted to power.

But the manifestos of the three parties offered sharp dissimilarities of views and conflicting approaches to some of the important national problems. These issues fall in the realm of foreign as well as domestic policies of the previous government. Moreover, the dissimilarities are multi-dimensional, e.g. PML (Q) and PPP-P have similarity of views on Pakistan’s policy of alliance with the US on the issue of terrorism; but differ on Kashmir policy. In this regard, the views of PML(Q) and those of MMA coincide on relations with India. PPP-P has come out openly in favour of “good neighbourly” relations with India. The PPP-P is in agreement with PML(Q) on the issue of fighting against terrorism in cooperation with the US and international community. There is another issue on which the PPP-P and PML(Q) see eye to eye with each other; but have a serious difference with MMA. This issue relates to the increase in the seats of women in the legislative bodies, like the National Assembly and four provincial assemblies. The MMA has strongly opposed the increase of seats for women in the assemblies, while PPP-P has welcomed this step taken by the previous military government. MMA’s position on the issue of joint electorate is different from that of PPP-P and PML(Q). The religious parties grouped into MMA have traditionally been strong opponents of joint electorate. It was largely to appease the religious right in Pakistan that late General Zia-ul-Haque introduced separate electorate under 8th Amendment in 1985. When the previous military government restored joint electorate, it was very strongly opposed by JI and other religious parties. But PPP-P and PML(Q) have similar positions on the issue of joint electorate.

But MMA and PPP-P have similar stand on the question of LFO. Both hold that the amendments in the constitution could be made only through the method prescribed under the constitution. In their manifestos, these two political parties have expressed their strong beliefs in the supremacy of the parliament and inviolability of the constitution. However, MMA and PPP-P differ on the question of electorate and reservation of ten minority seats in the National Assembly. MMA, in its manifesto, has pledged to enforce Shariat and establish Islamic system in the country in all walks of life. For this purpose, it aims at bringing about radical changes in the social and economic system of Pakistan. This includes interest free banking system and establishment of separate educational institutions for the females. Both PML(Q) and PPP-P are committed to basing Pakistan’s economic, political and social system on Islamic principles, but are not ready to barter away the sovereignty of the parliament in legislation.

            The manifestos of PPP-P, PML (Q) and MMA, on the one hand, reflect the ideology and political philosophy on which these parties are founded; on the other hand, the manifestos contain the responses to specific issues emanating from certain developments and events preceding the elections. These events and developments are interruption of democratic political process by the military take-over on October 12, 1999, the 9/11 incident, American war against terrorism in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s alliance with the US in war against terrorism, anti-terrorism operations in Pakistan’s tribal areas and the package of constitutional changes and amendments announced by President General Pervez Musharraf under LFO before the elections. The three political parties have responded differently to these developments. But despite this divergence of views on these issues, all the three political parties accept the 1973 Constitution with its basic structures i.e., federal-parliamentary democracy, independence of judiciary, Islamic provisions and fundamental human rights, as a valid framework for political operations. 

 

Annex - A

 

The Manifesto of PML-Q

 Main Points

 

1.      A number of political reforms to strengthen participatory democracy would be introduced.

2.      The process of accountability in all public services shall be institutionalised, particularly for the elected representatives.

3.      Role of opposition in the parliament shall have full institutional protection, as is the case in all parliamentary systems.

4.      The Rule of Law shall be upheld in all parts of the country.

5.      Police reforms shall be carried out to make police service efficient, citizens friendly institution rather than as an oppressive body.

6.      The office of Ombudsman shall be strengthened to keep a check on the working of all ministries and departments at the centre and provincial levels.

7.      All discretionary powers would be withdrawn. Government decisions must conform to laid down rules and regulations.

8.      Bureaucracy shall be de-politicised by ensuring security of tenure and acceptance of responsibility with greater accountability. State institutions shall be made more responsive to the needs of the people and less susceptible to political abuse.

9.      The NAB shall be strengthened to carry out its duty without any hindrance.

10.  Size of the entourage of President and Prime Minister shall be   curtailed for foreign tours.

11.  Ministers and officials who are entitled to use official cars shall be allowed only one car.

12.  Every agricultural district of the country shall be evaluated and a ten-year plan of development shall be devised keeping in view its land, water, technical, capital and human resources.

13.  State land shall be sold at reasonable prices to those actual tillers.

14.  To promote industrialization and make it competitive, credit allocation and other financial facilities shall be provided.

15.  All banks and other financial institutions shall be reformed and their performance monitored so that the malpractices of the past are arrested.

16.  Pakistan Muslim League shall try to bring a long term perspective in the economic transformation of the country through a number of measures, like up gradation of infrastructure, better quality management, modernization of sea-ports, incentives for local and foreign investors, raise in exports, higher agricultural growth, dynamic energy policy, balanced budget and national environmental strategy.

17.  Literacy level would be increased by increasing allocation for education.

18.  Government shall promote an on line educational resource (a grid) in coordination with Telecommunication Industry, which will be an important means of encouraging and promoting computer literacy.

19.  Work towards the establishment of a just and fair international political order based on the UN Charter and principles of peaceful co-existence. To give highest priority to strengthening the capability of our armed forces, to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan and to contribute to the promotion of peace and security in the region.

20.  To work for the peaceful settlement of all outstanding disputes, which are impeding normal relations with India without compromising Pakistan’s historic commitment to the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the related UN resolutions.

 

 

Annex - B

 The Manifesto of PPP-P

 Main Points

 

1.      Election guidelines would be provided to restore to the public, the sanctity of the ballot.

2.      Pakistan and the region will be given “peace within and peace without” with dignity and honour.

3.      To promote religious tolerance on the principle that the religious beliefs of the individual citizens have little to do with the business of the state.

4.      To promote values of freedom, fundamental rights and economic empowerment of the people with checks and balances that end concentration of power.

5.      To oppose terrorism.

6.      Pledges to eradicate poverty by ensuring that the social sector budget is increased.

7.      The people of Pakistan will be liberated from the shackles of poverty, debt and servitude.

8.      To support middle class purchases a Pay As You Earn Scheme (Credit Purchases) will be adopted in Government Corporations and other salaried institutions.

9.      To make education a top priority.

10.  To establish Youth Force/Khadim-e-Danish.

11.  To provide incentives for software as well as hardware development.

12.  To improve government health centres and hospitals and to establish Old Peoples Homes as well as Homes for Poor Children to aid and assist families that find such issues challenging.

13.  To ensure the Rule of Law.

14.  To lift the lid on state sponsored injustice and establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to acknowledge political victims.

15.  To provide easy dispensation of justice by increasing the number of courts and abolishing special courts.

16.  To examine the establishment of Constitutional Court in consultation with Pakistan Human Rights Commission.

17.  To support technocrat and women seats on closed party system.

18.  Election of Senate members by the members of Provincial Assemblies through open single transferable vote.

19.  To protect the rights of women, minorities and children.

20.  To oppose terrorism and continue the policy of the present regime to ally itself against the forces of terror.

21.  To seek to reduce tension with India through peaceful negotiations to all outstanding disputes. 

           

<http:/www.ppp.org.pk/manifesto/2002.html>

 

             

Annex - C

 

Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA)

Manifesto

 Main Points

 

1.      To revive fear of God, affection to the Prophet (PBUH) and service to people with particular emphasis on government officials and cabinet members.

2.      To make Pakistan a true Islamic welfare state to ensure justice to people and eradicate corruption whatsoever.

3.      To ensure provision of bread, clothes, shelter, education, jobs and marriage expenses to all citizens.

4.      To protect basic human rights (life, property and honour) of citizens.

5.      To create an independent, just and humane economic system where citizens will be provided opportunities for halal jobs, business and investments.

6.      To ensure uniform and quick justice to every citizen, from the president to an ordinary person.

7.      To develop a God fearing, helping, brave and protecting police system.

8.      To get the entire society literate within ten years to enable everyone to know one’s rights and responsibilities.

9.      To ensure compulsory and free of charge education till matriculation and provide opportunities to meritorious students and scholars for advanced research.

10.  To protect rights of women guaranteed by Islam and restoration of their honour and prestige.

11.  To abolish all chronic and new feudal system with forfeiture of illegal wealth and its distribution among poor.

12.  To provide lands to peasants and formers for their livelihood and guarantee reasonable prices to their produce.

13.  To protect provincial autonomy and district governments, taking care of backward areas and classes and taking special steps to get them at par with developed areas.

14.  To get the country and people rid of influence of imperialistic forces and their local agents.

15.  To extend moral, political and diplomatic help and support to all suppressed with particular emphasis on Kashmiris, Palestinians, Afghans and Chechnians.

 

 

<http/209.47225.1234/palest/eng/mma/manifesto/>