THE Bloomberg report drawing comparison among PML(N), PPP and PTI is surely a morale booster for workers and leaders of PML(N), especially when the party is finding it difficult to make the election campaign more meaningful and relevant because of a variety of reasons and factors. The report concluded that PML-N delivered the “best performance in managing the economy over the past three decades” compared to its political rivals – PTI and PPP. With 14.5%, PML(N) scored better than PTI (16.1%) and PPP (17.2%) when using a combination of unemployment and inflation data called the misery index.
The report has confirmed what is widely known by people of Pakistan because of their own experience during tenures of the three major parties. No doubt, some aspects of the PML(N) governance like their attitude towards government servants, pensioners and imposition of taxes were not liked by the people but the common man felt comparative relief during its government because of focus on economy, passion for infrastructure development and measures initiated to alleviate sufferings of the people on account of chronic shortages of electricity and gas. The PML(N) has traditionally been considered as pro-business and development and economic activities mean more employment opportunities for people. There is no doubt that the PTI Government launched a number of initiatives with potential to improve the lot of the common man but regrettably none of them was taken to fruition. The PTI also showed insensitivity towards rising inflation, especially because of the exploitative tactics of different mafias. As for the PPP, it is widely regarded as pro-employees and is also credited for its struggle for supremacy of Parliament and the Constitution but it paid scant attention to resolution of core problems of the people and rampant corruption. The report might be a cause for rejoicing for the PML(N) but the ground realities are not highly favourable to the party as the PTI is still leading the list of popularity and people have bitter memories of the record-breaking inflation during the tenure of the coalition government.
