Karachi, Responding to skepticism over the feasibility of the PPP’s 10-point program, Senator Taj Haider, in-charge of the PPPP Central Election Cell, has articulated a robust defense of the party’s policy proposals.

According to Pakistan People’s Party, Senator Haider questioned the criticism by highlighting that good governance is about maximizing state resources to combat disease, illiteracy, unemployment, and hunger. He pointed out that the critics’ real concern is the diversion of nearly 2 trillion rupees annually from subsidies and extra unconstitutional Federal Ministries to the welfare of the less privileged, rather than enriching the elite.

Haider argued that doubling real wages in five years would increase the purchasing power of the poor, stimulate demand and national production, and prevent the concentration of wealth, which is essential for economic growth. He cited public sector investments under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode in projects like Thar Coal, and in the health and education sectors, as successful examples that should be replicated nationwide.

Highlighting the achievements in healthcare, he mentioned the free treatment provided at institutions like NICVD, SUIT, JPMC, and Gambat Institute, attracting patients from all over Pakistan and abroad. He questioned why such high-level medical treatment shouldn’t be available in patients’ home districts.

In education, despite flood damage to school buildings in Sindh, Haider noted that the provincial allocations for higher education are nearly equivalent to the total allocation of the HEC for public sector universities across Pakistan. He emphasized the need for free education at all levels as a priority for Pakistan’s advancement, arguing that education creates equality in society.

Haider also defended the expansion of BISP, Kisan Card, Mazdoor Card, and Youth Card as means to ensure the direct flow of resources to beneficiaries, bypassing middlemen and bureaucracy. He questioned the opposition to such measures.

Regarding tax collection, he noted that Sindh’s collection of sales tax on services increased from 6 billion to 230 billion in 14 years, despite a tax rate reduction from 17% to 10%. He advocated for the collection of sales tax on goods by provinces, suggesting that success stories and innovative methods should replace outdated colonial models.

Senator Haider concluded by emphasizing the uniqueness of the 10-point program, which does not rely on loans, local or foreign. He stressed that Pakistan must build its future independently, as no country has ever been developed by another.