PM Imran fails to step down ‘respectfully’ by PDM deadline, says Bilawal

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan failed to step down “respectfully” by the deadline given by the opposition alliance last year.

An alliance of 11-opposition parties, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) – mainly dominated by PPP, PML-N and JUI-F – had set January 31 ultimatum for the PTI-led government to step down or else they would use other options including en masse resignations from assemblies and long march towards Islamabad.

“The selected PM has failed to resign by the deadline set by PDM. [The opposition] had given this illegitimate regime the opportunity to step aside respectfully and allow for a transition to democracy with free, fair and transparent elections,” he said in a series of tweets from his official handle.

The PPP chairman said the joint opposition will now force the removal of “puppets” but added that his party believed in using “democratic tactics” to remove PM Imran from power.

“The people face historic, poverty, unemployment & inflation because this govt was forced on them. The joint opposition must now force the removal of puppets. PPP believes in relying on democratic tactics. Sustained joint efforts inside and outside parliament will ultimately succeed,” he added.

Bilawal said the PDM will discuss options of tabling no-confidence motion against PM Imran in parliament and long march in the upcoming meeting.

Commenting on government’s move to introduce open ballot in Senate polls, Bilawal said: “[The] government desperation is clear. trying to change rules to rig senate elections because they can see their defeat. IA [InshahAllah] senate elections will show govt is on shaky ground.”

He also called upon the establishment to leave political battles to the politicians or “risk being drawn into controversies. Only a government chosen by the people can deliver for the people”.