Sindh CM remembers July 5 as 'darkest day' in Pakistan's democratic history
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that July 5, 1977 marks the darkest chapter in Pakistan's democratic journey. On this day, a military regime ousted the elected government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, trampling over democratic values and public mandate.
He said the removal of Bhutto was not just a political move but a direct attack on democratic principles and the people's will. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he added, gave political awareness to the nation, which dictatorships tried to suppress through force.
مجھ کو مارا گیا، مجھ کو پیٹا گیا،
مجھ کو سڑکوں پر جبرا" گھسیٹا گیا،
کیا خطا تھی میری، کب یہ پوچھا گیا،
مجھ کو باغی نصیبوں میں لکھا گیا،
ہاں ! میں باغی ہوں ایسے منشور کا ۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔ کالے دستور کا ۔۔!!
#5thJulyBlackDay pic.twitter.com/1QyV7pDeXB — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 5, 2025
Shah noted that the Pakistan People's Party has always resisted authoritarianism with courage and commitment. He said the events of July 5 remind us to continue the struggle for democracy, constitutional supremacy, and protection of public rights.
He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant, as threats to democracy and national stability still persist. Shah concluded by paying tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his enduring contributions and sacrifices.
On July 5, 1977, military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq overthrew the elected democratic government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, imposed martial law, and suspended Pakistan's first consensual constitution.
Read More: Black Day for PPP today
Earlier in March, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan's highest civil award on the late former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, in recognition of his excellence, contributions, and remarkable achievements across various fields.
In a prestigious ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan—the nation's highest civilian honour—to the late prime minister and founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). His daughter, Sanam Bhutto, received the award on his behalf, marking a significant moment in the country's history.
Historically, on March 6, in its opinion on a presidential reference filed by President Zardari, the Supreme Court admitted that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was not given the right to a fair trial—almost 44 years after the founding chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was hanged in a murder case.
Also Read: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto honoured with Nishan-e-Pakistan posthumously
A nine-member larger bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, announced its opinion. The announcement was also broadcast live on the YouTube channel of the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Isa read out the court's reserved written order, stating that Bhutto's trial in the Lahore High Court (LHC) and subsequently in the Supreme Court was not conducted in accordance with the fundamental rights and fair trial guarantees provided by the Constitution.
The larger bench included Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, and Justice Musarrat Hilali.
'The good thing is that the opinion on the presidential reference is unanimous,' said Chief Justice Isa before delivering the verdict. 'We cannot move forward without correcting ourselves—until we acknowledge the mistakes of the past,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PML-N gets simple majority in National Assembly: Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) achieved a simple majority in the National Assembly after allocation of reserved seats following the Supreme Court's decision, Aaj News reported. He made these remarks while speaking to the media during the 982nd annual ghusal ceremony of the shrine of Hazrat Syed Ali Bin Usman Al-Hajveri, popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), with rose water in Lahore. The foreign minister added that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had not sought any ministries and did not express any desire to join the federal cabinet. 'PPP stood by us in difficult times, and we will continue to support them,' he added, dismissing speculations of rifts within the ruling alliance. PHC bars elected MPAs on reserved seats from taking oath Dar also highlighted that during the past conflict with India, all political parties stood united, and 'the world heard one collective voice from Pakistan.' He reiterated that accountability should prevail across all provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On the regional front, he said Pakistan has supported Iran diplomatically against Israeli aggression. 'Iran acknowledged Pakistan as a true friend,' he said, adding that pro-Pakistan slogans were raised in funerals of Iranian martyrs, including that of the Iranian army chief. Dar confirmed Pakistan has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for two years and reiterated Islamabad's commitment to peace and stability. 'Our agenda is economic progress, not war,' he stressed. The DPM highlighted that Pakistan had signed a $2 billion deal with Azerbaijan, inflation had come down, and the interest rate had been slashed from 22% to 11%. 'Pakistan was on the brink of default, but we turned it around. Our foreign reserves have now reached $14 billion,' he claimed. During the visit to the Data Darbar, Dar participated in the ceremonial cleansing of the shrine with rose water and Zamzam water. He offered Fatiha, laid a chadar, and was briefed on the site's ongoing development projects by Auqaf Secretary Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari. Dar announced plans to install umbrellas similar to those in Masjid-e-Nabawi in the shrine's courtyard, with approval already granted by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. 'We hope all renovation work will be completed before next year's ceremony,' he said. Reflecting on the recent military successes, he stated that Pakistan had retaliated decisively when India launched strikes. Dar said that if India initiates war, Pakistan is fully capable of responding, as demonstrated recently when six Indian aircraft were downed. He said Pakistan, with God's help, emerged victorious against a much larger adversary and 'taught India a lesson.' 'Pakistan gained immense respect and success,' he remarked, asserting that the ceasefire with India remains in place, but constant preparedness is essential due to persistent threats, including terrorism. Regarding Saudi relations, Dar revealed that negotiations had been ongoing for 7-8 months to streamline visa processes and requested that blue passport holders also be granted greater access. Addressing the PTI founder's legal issues, Dar said, 'The law will take its course. Fabricated and sponsored stories won't change the facts. We aim to work with all political forces.'
Business Recorder
7 hours ago
- Business Recorder
CTD kills five terrorists, foils major attack in Taunsa Sharif
In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday killed five suspected terrorists in Taunsa Sharif during an intelligence-based operation, foiling what officials described as a 'major terror attack.' According to a CTD press release, the operation was launched near the Tri-Border Village after credible intelligence reports indicated the presence of heavily armed militants in the area. The CTD said its team came under fire while attempting to apprehend the suspects, prompting a retaliatory exchange that lasted several hours. Five terrorists were killed in the shootout, while at least five others managed to flee after sustaining injuries and are believed to have taken shelter in nearby forested areas, the statement said. 30 Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in North Waziristan border infiltration attempt: ISPR The department said swift and professional action by its teams had prevented a potentially catastrophic incident. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the CTD and Punjab Police for the successful operation, saying the action had eliminated militants linked to 'Fitna-e-Hindustan.' 'Once again, Punjab Police and CTD have sent five terrorists of Fitna-e-Hindustan to hell through a successful operation,' Naqvi said in a statement, commending the professionalism and courage of the security forces. India has intensified 'terrorism campaign' inside Pakistan through proxies, says PM Shehbaz 'Our security forces will not allow any safe haven for the enemies of peace,' he added, reaffirming the government's resolve to pursue extremist elements wherever they may be hiding. Naqvi said the Punjab Police and CTD had consistently foiled the plans of extremist groups and proven their ability to take decisive action against terror threats.
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Islamabad, Warsaw set to deepen ties across key sectors
Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Muhammad Ayub meets Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski during the 9th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Warsaw on July 4, 2025. Photo courtesy: X Listen to article Pakistan and Poland have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation through high-level visits, parliamentary exchanges, and sustained dialogue, as the two countries seek to broaden engagement across multiple sectors. The understanding was reached during the 9th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) held in Warsaw on July 4. Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Muhammad Ayub led the Pakistani delegation, while Poland's Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski, headed the Polish side. The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to boosting collaboration in trade, investment, energy, defence, science and technology, agriculture, migration, and higher education. The 9th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and the Republic of Poland was held in Warsaw on 4 July 2025. The Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Muhammad Ayub, Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), while the Polish delegation was headed by… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 5, 2025 Pakistani Ambassador to Poland Muhammad Sami-ur-Rehman and Polish Ambassador to Pakistan Maciej Pisarski also attended the talks. Regional and global developments, including those in South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, were discussed in detail. Both delegations noted alignment on key issues and agreed to continue working closely at multilateral forums, including the United Nations. It was agreed that the next round of consultations will be held in Islamabad in 2026.
