Perspective

Dr Huma Baqai (IR Expert): 

The contesting candidates had to face tough questions from disgruntled residents in their respective constituencies. This is a very good sign of a maturing democracy when the voters know the value of their vote. All the political parties have geared up their election campaign to get success in upcoming general elections. The candidates, who are returning party tickets and deciding to contest as independent candidates instead of joining any other political party, will be larger in number in upcoming Parliament.

Nuqta-e-Nazar

Dr Talat Wizarat (IR Expert): 

It is good development that the second consecutive government has completed its five year tenure, which is a sign that democratic system in the country is improving. The voters are giving tough time to the candidates campaigning for the upcoming elections by inquiring about the performance in the past. The election campaigns are being run by candidates in the traditional manner in which they are seen using every tactic to persuade people to vote for them and the voters are enjoying the short period in which they have all the attention of the candidates. The candidates trying to attract voters by spending money in publicity campaigns in a manner that it could not be traced which is against the code of conduct of election commission. This time the number of independent candidates will be higher than those belonging to different political parties.

Dr Rasheed Ahmed Khan (IR Expert):

The number of independent candidates contesting in 2018 election is greater than in past. Many well-known politicians are also taking part in elections as independent candidate. It is common practice in Pakistan that people give priority to vote on political lines rather than to vote of independent candidate as independent candidate has no clear manifesto. Some voters vote for ideology and some vote for agendas. The lack of manifestos during campaign shows the unwillingness of candidates to serve the electorate when voted into offices as manifesto is like an agreement between candidates and voters on what will be implemented during the term. In my opinion, the independent candidates will be large in number in the next assembly.

Ahmed Kamal (Chairman, IRSA): 

Pakistan is among the countries facing the worst threat of water scarcity. It is unfortunate that we have not paid any attention on construction of new dams. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered for the construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam and Mohmand dam which is a historic decision. We need to have at least 10 million Acers feet of water in our reserves. The people should also be given awareness about the importance of new water reservoirs. The shortage of water is causing adverse effect on the economy of the country. As shortage of water means less agricultural yields and to fulfill the demands we have to rely on the other countries, which result in more costs. There are also some sort of social impacts of water crisis in Pakistan which have mainly involved public safety, health problems and also reduced the quality of life. We will also run a charity campaign of funding for dams.

Dr Gulfaraz Ahmed Khan (Energy Expert): 

It is pleased to reveal that there is an institution that is working for the best national interest of our country. Pakistan is in dire need of new dams for storage of water but some political parties are creating hurdles in this regard for the sake of their personal interests. It would be better that Supreme Court must also take action against the culprits involved in money laundering having their savings abroad must be forced to take back their money in Pakistan that should be utilized for construction of new dams. People should also manage the consumption of water in their individual capacity. This is a major task all of us need to accomplish together with responsibility so as to avoid water related problems.