PPP Marks July 5 as 'Black Day', Condemns 1977 Military Coup

Sanghar (Hasnain Ashiq Saand) The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Tando Adam chapter, on Saturday observed July 5 as Black Day by holding a protest gathering at Waryah House to denounce the military coup that overthrew the elected government of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1977 and imposed martial law under General Zia-ul-Haq.

The event was attended by PPP Sanghar district secretary Jahangir Junejo, Tando Adam taluka president Javed Ali Shoro, city president Taj Mohammad Waryah, Zulfiqar Ali Saand, Abdul Kareem Mari, Syed Khair Shah, Akhter Nizamani, Muhammad Ameen Waryah, Muzammal Sheikh, Ashiq Ali Panhwar, Mohammad Achar Saand, along with party office-bearers, workers and supporters.

Speaking to the media, the party leaders described July 5, 1977, as a "dark chapter" in Pakistan's democratic history, saying that the overthrow of an elected government weakened democratic institutions and undermined the supremacy of the Constitution.

They said the PPP had always struggled for democracy, constitutional supremacy and the protection of fundamental rights, adding that the sacrifices of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto for the restoration and strengthening of democracy would always be remembered.

The speakers reiterated that the party remained committed to promoting democratic values, upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, and safeguarding the rights of the people. The gathering concluded with prayers for the country's peace, stability, progress and the strengthening of democracy.