‘Sohanay khuwab’: Netizens question viability of PPP’s ‘free electricity, double salary’ promises

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari unveiled the party's 10-point election manifesto on Wednesday.

Speaking at a mammoth public gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 16th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the young PPP leader outlined the party's blueprint to bring about transformative changes in different sectors nationwide if brought to power after the Feb 8 elections.

PPP leader Kasim Gilani later shared the following 10-point election manifesto on X (formerly Twitter).

• Doubling people’s salaries to be the party's top priority.
• To offer free electricity up to 300 units.
• Guarantee access to education for all children.
• Implement a nationwide free healthcare system.
• Construct three million affordable houses.
• Strengthen the Benazir Income Support Program for poverty alleviation.
• Introduce a farmers' card, akin to the Benazir Income Support Program.
• Implement the Labour Card initiative.
• Provide financial assistance to youth through a 'Youth Card.'
• Launch the 'Bhook Mitao Program' to tackle hunger and food insecurity.”

The PPP's manifesto was not recieved well by many people who questioned the viability of certain promises like provision of free electricity at a time when the country is reeling under an economic crunch and relied on loans to pay off debts.

Reacting to Gilani's post, columnist Mosharraf Zaidi said, “There is an historic fiscal and debt crisis and amidst this, the traditional bulwark of democracy political party has rolled out what seems like a manifesto that was drawn up by people that view the state as a magic money tree. Deeply disappointing.”

"It is impossible for politicial parties to not fool people during electioneering," commented a social media user.

While opinions varied, another user humoursly suggested, “I think they can achieve it. Just print money.”

Others argued that the manifesto lacked a concrete implementation plan, questioning the party's ability to deliver on such ambitious promises.