Elections 2013: A few issues to remember before voting

The election days in Pakistan are coming near, and the political parties as well as candidates are concentrating on 'Common Man'. The same common man who has suffered for the last 5 years under a so called democratic government. 

If we have to decide our vote on the performance basis of the previous MNAs and MPAs, then here are some issues which should be remembered before voting any candidate:

1. Power Shortage: Pakistan has suffered a lot from power shortage during last 5 years. It is a common practice to blame the previous government for own mistakes; but power shortage is an issue which could have been easily solved. Rather it was politicized and the high cost solutions were chosen to overcome power shortage (e.g. Rental Power Plants). 

Power shortage has affected the industry and the investors. Many of our local industrialists have shifted their business to Bangladesh due to this problem, causing a significant loss for Pakistan in trade.

2. Security: PPP blamed previous governments more than often  for security situation in Pakistan. But PPP and their Coalition Partners have failed to restore law and order in the country and especially in Karachi, where the parties in Government were involved in destabilizing the city.

3. Foreign Policy: Foreign Policy is normally designed to safeguard country's interests. But the previous government has shown the same response as their predecessors. Raymond Davis case and Salalah Firing cases are just the examples.

4. Economic Situation: Inflation, unemployment and falling rate of Ruppee has made it difficult for most of the people to cover their expenses. Rates of commodities are more than double now when compared to 2008. Although an increase in prices is inevitable but the rate of increase does matter. 

The most important thing is not to be deceived emotionally by political parties. They attract the public through the slogans and Manshoors which they can't even elaborate. There could be no revolution just voting a new party. The important thing is to choose a person who has a good track record.

These are a few issues which covers the lives of most Pakistanis. If we really wish to change current situations in our country,then we should take these issues into account before voting any candidate. 

Otherwise, plan a picnic on election day, and then curse the upcoming government for 5 years!!