July 29, 2008	Tuesday	Rajab 25, 1429

ISLAMABAD, July 28: The heads of the parties in the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) on Monday endorsed a proposal of its steering committee to launch a ‘gradual but comprehensive movement’ for putting pressure on the government for reinstating the deposed judges and initiating the process of impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf.

The meeting was presided over by Pukhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party’s chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai who is convener of the alliance.

Mr Achakzai said the ruling coalition had failed to cope with the challenges faced by the country and fulfil its promises.

He stressed the need for changing the anti-people and pro-US policies pursued by the dictatorship.

He said the APDM was a force capable of steering the country out of the present crisis.

Jamaat-i-Islami chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed said the APDM was united to work for the solidarity of the country which would never be allowed to become an American satellite. He alleged that the United States was following a policy of dismembering Pakistan through its so-called war on terror.

The leaders reviewed the steering committee’s report on the alliance’s future strategy and said it should continue consultations to finalise recommendations for launching of a movement.

Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan said the APDM must fill the leadership vacuum.

The leaders decided to fully back the deadline of Aug 14 set by the lawyers’ movement for reinstatement of the judges.

The leaders discussed a proposal to hold protest rallies in Islamabad and the provincial capitals and launch a mass contact campaign on the Independence Day.

They reiterated their resolve to continue to put pressure on the government to change its war on terror policy, end the operation in Balochistan and bring down the prices of essential commodities.

The steering committee recommended that demonstrations should be held against military operations, growing American influence, involvement of military and intelligence agencies in Balochistan, frequent increases in utility charges and prices of essential commodities, inflation, flour shortage, stock exchange crash and electricity crisis.

The meeting observed that the ruling coalition was complicating constitutional issues and the constitutional package proposed by the government was aimed at giving protection to the unconstitutional steps of Nov 3, 2007.

They said the draft did not envisage any move for provincial autonomy.