ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has termed July 5 a black day in Pakistan’s history, marking the tragic overthrow of the country’s first elected prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto by a tinpot dictator in 1977 and said this dark day “set our nation on a path marred by extremism, terrorism and the scourge of Kalashnikov and drugs”.
“Pro-democracy Pakistanis were subjected to imprisonment, flogging, exile and even execution,” he said in a statement on the eve of July 5. He emphasized that despite the immense suffering endured, there were still a few people always ready to harm democracy. Pakistan has paid a huge price for toppling the elected government of Bhutto. The oppressive regime of General Ziaul Haq unleashed an era of unparalleled brutality against democrats, liberals and patriots. The youth of today cannot even imagine the difficult situation faced by Jiyalas during that period.
“Despite these heinous reprisals and the terror inflicted by an authoritarian regime, the resilient spirit of Pakistani people, especially Jiyalas remained unbroken. They stood firm, fighting for the restoration of democracy with unyielding determination and courage,” he said, adding that if there was democracy in the country today, it was because of the sacrifices of PPP leaders and workers. “As the nation remembers the sacrifices of those who endured immense suffering for the cause of democracy, we renew our commitment to upholding the values for which ZAB and countless others fought so valiantly. Let us honour their legacy by continuing the struggle for a democratic, progressive and just Pakistan,” he said.