Int Report

. Today, to pull the country and the people out of despair and despondency, we need that winning combination, the spirit of 1947.

Crisis is a moment of reflection and introspection in the life of any nation. Election 2002 is the opportunity to reflect upon and recover our founding vision, a vision based not on alien ideals, values, and histories but on our own, which helped us win freedom struggle. Economic prosperity is essential to this vision. Yet, it cannot be the only element, or even the most important one.

The centerpiece of Pakistan’s vision must be justice as enshrined in the principles of Islam. Pakistan itself was born out of the struggle of the Muslim community of South Asia for justice. Today, justice must once again be placed at the center of our definition of good life — justice for all Pakistanis, including women, minorities, and all vulnerable groups. The society must free its citizens from hunger and starvation, ensure equitable access to nutrition, healthcare, education, shelter, and employment, and guarantee the security of their lives and livelihoods.

Second, and equally important, is the goal of citizens’ dignity, self-respect, and security through ensuring freedom to hold opinion, belief, customs, and expression in a democratic framework.

The third goal is knowledge, and the pursuit of knowledge: knowledge for progress and competition and for its own sake.

Fourth, is the goal of entrepreneurship and equal economic opportunities for all, not in the sense of an ability to exploit others, but rather as behavior that innovates, produces, and serves the society.

If we are able to achieve these goals, prosperity, too, will come within our reach; otherwise it will remain elusive forever.

Our ability to achieve these goals — knowledge, justice, dignity, security, and entrepreneurship/employment opportunities, and prosperity-depends upon the restoration of political stability and genuine democracy.

PML-N aims to realize the founding...