Opposition announces protests in October under ‘Pakistan Democratic Movement’ banner

On Sep 21, 2020 Last updated Oct 4, 2021

ISLAMABAD: The opposition parties announced that they would take to the streets against the incumbent government on Sunday, and also revealed a new alliance titled “Pakistan Democratic Movement” (PDM) for the restoration of democracy in the country.

The Pakistan Democratic Movement issued a list of more than 20 demands for the government, the main points of which have been summarized below:

“Pakistan democratic movement is an important step towards a democratic Pakistan. Like the MRD & ARD movements resisting dictatorships, #PDM has united all democratic forces. It has a clear, concrete plan of action to restore freedom & dignity of our people, parliament, democracy,” wrote PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Pakistan democratic movement is an important step towards a democratic Pakistan. Like the MRD & ARD movements resisting dictatorships, #PDM has united all democratic forces. It has a clear, concrete plan of action to restore freedom & dignity of our people, parliament, democracy.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) September 20, 2020

APC Resolution – Sep 20, 2020 pic.twitter.com/3VtgpNyELE

— Pakistan Democratic Movement (@PDMforPak) September 20, 2020

The PDM called on the government to lower prices of necessary food items
It called on Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Chairman China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) authority General Asim Saleem Bajwa to resign
The PDM issued the demand for fresh elections across the country
The movement called on the government to hold impartial elections in GB
It called for civilian authority in Balochistan and an end to FC rule
It called for across-the-board accountability
The PDM demanded an end to political victimisation of political workers such as Syed Khursheed Shah, Hamza Shehbaz and an end to atrocities against media persons such as Mir Shakil ur Rahman
It called on authorities to stop enforced disappearances and ensure the recovery of missing persons
The PDM called on the establishment to stop its ‘interference’ in civilian matters