’PPP not discussed in PDM’: Maulana Fazl

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazl ur Rehman on Saturday said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP) were not discussed in the forum, as they are not part of the alliance.

“They [PPP] can still contact the PDM leadership and apprise them about their intentions. But it is not something that we will waste time over anymore during PDM meetings,” said Maulana Fazl.

Earlier on Friday, Shehbaz Sharif said that no party has the right to bring or kick another party out of the alliance. “PDM is a forum and decisions are taken with consensus.”

PDM also rejected the government’s “one-sided” electoral reforms, which include the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and announced a fresh wave of anti-government protests.

“PDM rejects the government’s unilateral electoral reforms ordinance, including the voting machines, and terms it as pre-poll rigging,” said Fazl.

In this regard, the Election Commission of Pakistan, which is responsible for holding transparent elections, should call a meeting of all political parties to take a unanimous decision on reforms, Fazl added.

The Opposition alliance announced a future course of action. On July 4, a massive anti-government protest will be held, followed by another one in Karachi on July 29.

On the occasion of August 14, a massive protest will be held in Islamabad, with PDM showing solidarity with Kashmiris and Palestinians.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will host a budget seminar soon to form a unified strategy during the budget session, while the task to hold the event has been given to PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif.

The PDM chief said PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif attended the meeting via video, while other Opposition party leaders were present in person.