Pakistan's Pakistan Muslim League (N) party, aiming for success in the 2024 general elections, has launched an initiative to gather public suggestions for its manifesto. Former Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced the move on social media platform X, inviting "all Pakistanis living at home and abroad" to participate. The party aims to identify key challenges in various sectors and develop practical solutions through a collaborative approach. A dedicated website, http://pmln2024.com, has been set up to receive proposals and ideas. Sharif expressed his hope that "valuable and practical suggestions" from the public will contribute to "a fruitful manifesto that will help us take Pakistan forward." This emphasis on public engagement suggests a desire to create a platform-based policy, potentially appealing to voters seeking direct involvement in shaping the party's vision.

Sharif's message also hinted at the party's campaign strategy, focusing on nostalgia and past achievements. He referenced party leader Nawaz Sharif's past successes in tackling terrorism, power outages, and development projects. By invoking the "golden era of Nawaz Sharif," the party attempts to tap into positive memories and rally support amongst his loyal base. However, the statement about "entering the field under the leadership of the Quaid" could face potential legal challenges, as Nawaz Sharif was disqualified from holding public office due to a corruption conviction. Overall, the PML-N's public outreach initiative signifies an attempt to broaden its appeal and solidify its position as a major contender in the upcoming elections.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)