As a newly elected MNA it is important to contribute to legislative work by choosing certain causes and then working diligently in that direction. There is a tendency to want to work in every direction since there are so many pressing issues in the country and then ending up with only rhetorical contributions thus no real substantive contributions. This is a trap which I would like to avoid. In order to make valuable contributions a prioritization of causes is critical. A few at a time will ensure quality contributions and a chance to move on to new causes after successful closure on the initial causes.
Therefore, what follows is a list of causes which are important to me today, but with passing events this list is going to be updated constantly. Those issues which are not on this list are not less important for me or for the country. It’s just that for now, I would like to contribute on those where I feel I have a certain current expertise.
Even though the responsibility of governance falls on the ruling party, we as a party have decided to play a constructive role and thus I would like to contribute on the following causes, as a responsible member of ‘constructive opposition’ since ‘Pakistan First’ is our motto. It will be our endeavour to ensure that the government is criticized constructively so that the main causes which affect the well being of Pakistan are not negatively impacted by misgovernance.
1. Territorial Sovereign Integrity of Pakistan
As per the Quaid’s guidance, Pakistan’s foreign policy must be dictated by peace within and peace without. A successful projection of Pakistan’s policies, concerns, priorities to neighbouring states as well as the world at large is an important responsibility. I pledge to play my role in this direction. I would like to highlight those issues in parliament which in my opinion are affecting Pakistan’s territorial sovereign integrity. These would include keeping a track of our relations with the regional and global powers, upholding our defence and nuclear capabilities.
2. Economic Uplift of the People of Pakistan
To ensure that every Pakistani has a standard of living where they have a roof under their heads, food in their belly, and are gainfully and respectfully employed. And that their standard of living and purchasing power is increasing by the day and not decreasing – that they want to choose Pakistan as their first choice for living and working not simply because they have no other choice but because they truly want to live and work in Pakistan for its superior standard of living. This cause would mean that I pledge to keep track of the macro economic indicators of the country, the price hike of daily commodities for a common man, the business indicators for Pakistan, the agricultural output for Pakistan, international economic ratings, cradle to grave budget management, and living standards including health and education in general.
3. Democracy and Constitutional Reforms for Pakistan
The constitution’s sanctity is critical for the rule of law. A balance between judiciary, parliament, media and executive is important so that, Pakistan flourishes as a young democracy in the comity of nations. For the moment, I would like to keep track of parliamentary supremacy, constitutional reforms, freedom of press, and provincial / inter-faith harmony issues. And within this a special focus on making constitutional reforms improving the quality of life of children, women, minorities, underprivileged. After all these are guaranteed to us by our constitution. Additionally the issue of Balochistan is central to inter provincial harmony and territorial integrity. I hope that we the newer generation of parliamentarians will learn from the past and contribute positively towards Balochistan’s resolution.
4. Building a Tolerant, Moderate and Extremist free society
The jihad against extremism is critical for our growth as a civilized Islamic nation. I pledge to contribute towards projecting the real values of Islam as given to us in Quran and Sunnah especially relating to humanity, civilization and culture.
5. Sustainable Environment for Pakistan
Pakistan’s sea, rivers, lakes, mountains, deserts, and plains are part of a larger eco system. Our taking care of our environment and its habitat is critical for us as well as for the world at large. It is a responsibility that we need to take seriously for our own well being and for our children’s too. For the moment, I would like to keep a track on sanitation, clean drinking water, forestry, endangered species, glacier protection, alternative energy projects, water management, and climate change in general.
6. Kashmir and Northern Areas
The Kashmir cause is part of our blood and its proper projection and resolution part of our responsibility. I pledge to make my contributions in this regard always keeping the wishes of the Kashmiri people as my guiding force. For Northern Areas, which is a region having a special place in my heart and soul, I pledge to contribute in every way possible for the socio-economic and political uplift of the people of the Northern Areas.
7. Information Technology
Information Technology whether it is telecommunication or IT itself will be a key driver for Pakistan’s entry into the developed world so that eventually Pakistan is a regional force to be reckoned with. Creativity, innovation, respect for Intellectual Property Rights, human resource development and maximizing exports of IT products will be my focus.
