Which political party really drives the economy?

Most people have their favourites, and so do political parties.
It is little wonder then that the two historically leading political parties, Pakistan People’s Party and PML-N, have had their favourite sectors that contributed to aggregate economic growth during their respective tenures.
While areas like service sector growth and private investment have progressed over time amidst many stumbling exogenous factors, what really distinguishes the two parties is the performance of agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
During its two terms in the 1990s, PML-N’s focus has been relatively higher and consistent around manufacturing growth—somewhat validating the widely claimed tag of pro-business and pro-investment for the party.
On the other hand, slide in manufacturing growth during PPP’s successive tenures, especially the one just-ended, points out to entirely different set of priorities held by the party. While the manufacturing and predominantly LSM growth have been sparse during PPP’s control of the office, the party has been an advocate of rural development.
If PML-N leads the parliament after the upcoming elections, many hopes are pinned on growth in investment and business activity once again. Moreover, drawing from their previous tenures, the restructuring and privatisation of sick public-sector enterprises are expected to be on the cards.
However, one must also admit when it comes to legislation and policy formulation the PPP wins hands down. The economic performance of PPP’s government may leave everyone bewildered; but, it is undoubtedly very gung-ho about legislation and policy formulation.
From IPPs and RPPs to other energy, power, trade and investment policies, PPP has had a huge share in setting the stage, irrespective of the institutional barriers and bureaucratic hurdles: And this factor must be brooded over, since the impact of any sound policy is visible only after some time.
With a history of volatile and erratic regimes, perhaps one government might be reaping the benefits of the former policies, while the other might be facing the wrath of some of the unsound earlier strategies.