PPP Leadership Condemns 1977 Martial Law on 49th Black Day
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab leadership issued a joint message on the 49th Black Day against the overthrow of the people's government on July 5, 1977. They stated that the democratic journey was halted by the ousting of the elected government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on that day.
Central Punjab PPP President Raja Pervez Ashraf said in his message that martial law weakened the parliament, constitution, and democratic institutions. He noted that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto created new hope for the restoration of democracy in 1988. Ashraf clarified that in 2008, President Asif Ali Zardari voluntarily returned powers to the parliament and restored the constitution in accordance with its original spirit, calling it a historic achievement of the Peoples Party. He emphasized that the honour of Pakistan is associated with the sacrifices of the people, national institutions, and the armed forces. Under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Peoples Party continues its journey of public service.
General Secretary Highlights Dark Period of Zia Era
General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza said that on the dark day of July 5, a dictator overthrew the elected government in the name of Operation Fair Play and the promise of holding elections in 90 days remained dominant in the country's politics, constitution, and institutions for 11 years. He stated that during this period, the president was given authority to dissolve the National Assembly through Article 58-B of the 8th Amendment, and the Kalashnikov and heroin culture was fostered, which the nation suffered. Murtaza added that the Leader of the People was judicially murdered and hanged. Today reminds us that the foundation of a strong, sustainable, and developed Pakistan is the supremacy of the constitution, democratic continuity, respect for public opinion, and the rule of law.
Senior Vice President Calls for Strong, Peaceful Pakistan
Senior Vice President Rana Farooq Saeed said that July 5 is the darkest day in Pakistan's democratic history. Pakistan is still suffering from the effects of the decisions of the Zia era. The PPP stands against all kinds of terrorism and extremism. He said, "We do not want power, but a strong, peaceful and stable Pakistan. The struggle of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was for Pakistan and democracy." Saeed further stated that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will never compromise on the interests of Pakistan. The PPP will continue its struggle to protect the people, the constitution, and democracy.
Information Secretary Emphasizes Constitutional Supremacy
Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema said in his message that the martial law of July 5 killed the people's right to vote, the constitution, and the parliament. The end of the people's government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was an attempt to stop the democratic journey. He said that the Constitution of Pakistan is a sacred civil contract between the people and the state, and the continuation of democracy is indispensable to bring Pakistan out of darkness. Cheema stated that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is doing politics of the constitution, parliament, and public rights. "We want a Pakistan where voices are not suppressed and the supremacy of the constitution is established because democracy is the guarantee of public rights, constitutional supremacy and national stability."
