Movement for Restoration of Democracy

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Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) (Urdu: اتحاد برائے بحالی جمہوریت ) formed in February 1981 was a multi-party political alliance in Pakistan. MRD coalition comprisied of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), National Democratic Party, Tehrik-e-Istaqlal, Pakistan Muslim League, Qaumi Mahaz-e-Azadi, Pakistan Mazdoor Kissan Party, Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam, (Pakhtoonwa); MRD demanded withdrawal of martial law and immediate elections.

At the time of the formation of the Movement for Restoration of Democracy in 1982, the PML split into two factions, one led by Pir Pagara and the other by Malik Qasim. The PPP, though reluctantly, agreed to form the MRD with the very parties which had paved the way for the ouster of the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto government in 1977. This alliance had launched a potent struggle against the Zia-ul Haq's rule, especially in Sindh. Military force was used against agitators and the movement was crushed. However, it mounted pressure on Gen Zia to hold the elections. Convinced that party-based elections would not bring the ‘positive results’ he had been talking of, he decided to hold non-party elections in 1985. But before that he got himself elected as president through a referendum.

The PML and the JI were the only parties which contested. All parties in the MRD boycotted the polls.