KARACHI, Aug 15: Parties and pressure groups with left orientation are striving to form their national alliance to break the stalemate for social and economic progress and create awakening among masses against parties of status quo.

In the first phase, according to insiders, six parties and groups which have been operating in different parts of the country have already transformed themselves into Pakistan Awami Tehreek with Abid Hasan Manto of Pakistan Workers Party and Afzal Khamosh of Mazdoor Kisan Party as its convener and secretary.

The PAT, which was formed to counter increasing influence of religious and liberal parties with centre to the right, comprises besides NWP and MKP, Awami Tehreek of Rasool Bux Palejo, Pakistan Labour Party, Tufail Abbas of Mazdoor Mohaz, veteran leader Mairaj Moammad Khan group and Democratic Communist workers Front.

The PAT which so far remained dormant since its formation, according to NWP Secretary General Yusuf Masti Khan, is being activated and recently this forum had staged big rallies in different industrial centers,including Lahore and Karachi,in support of Lebanese people and condemn Israeli aggression against unarmed citizens and targeting children and women.

In reply to a question, the NWP leader said the PAT was also working to broaden its base before coming elections by forming Pakistan Democratic Movement in which nationalists forces in the country would also be enlisted “for creating awakening against intervention of the army in politics and send it back to barracks to turn it into a professional fighting army from its present status of a corporate body that has economic interests in NLC, Askari Bank, Fauji Foundation, real estate and aviation.”

In reply to a question, he said that the vested interests in the form of establishment including civil and military bureaucracy, and feudals had entrenched in our body politics over last 59 years.

They continue to exploit the national wealth and masses by joining hands with time server politicians.

But now, he said, the ARD alliance by signing the “charter of democracy” has also decided not to look towards army for removal of any political government so that army’s role could be eliminated from politics for good.

In reply to another question he said that the PDM would be the third national alliance after Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, Alliance for Restoration of Democracy which provide an option to the liberal forces in the country to elect and send their true representatives in the assemblies which could deliver.

He said the country could only be put to the road to progress and prosperity provided there was true democracy in the country.