Sindh Chief Minister’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination and the Cooperative Department, Sardar Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari, on Sunday described July 5, 1977, as one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s political history, saying the anniversary underscored the importance of safeguarding democracy, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
In a message issued to mark “Black Day,” Mazari said the overthrow of a democratically elected government and the imposition of martial law on July 5, 1977, served as a lasting reminder that respect for the Constitution and the people’s mandate formed the foundation of a stable, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.
He said Pakistan’s history had repeatedly demonstrated that unconstitutional interventions weakened state institutions, harmed the economy, disrupted political stability and eroded federal harmony. Lasting national development, he added, could only be achieved through adherence to the Constitution, parliamentary supremacy and respect for the democratic will of the people.
Mazari said the Pakistan Peoples Party had consistently remained at the forefront of the struggle against dictatorship and had made significant sacrifices for the protection of democracy, constitutional rule and the fundamental rights of citizens.
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, he said Bhutto empowered the people, provided Pakistan with its unanimous Constitution and sacrificed his life for democracy, constitutional supremacy and national sovereignty.
He also praised Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, saying she dedicated her political career to restoring democratic governance, reinforcing constitutional institutions and protecting the rights of the people. He added that Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was continuing that democratic vision by promoting public service, national unity and democratic values.
The adviser said the Pakistan Peoples Party’s leadership had consistently regarded a strong federation, inter-provincial harmony, political tolerance and national cohesion as the core principles of its political philosophy, adding that these values remained essential for Pakistan’s peaceful, stable and prosperous future.
Mazari urged the nation to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that no unconstitutional action would ever again undermine the democratic system. He also stressed the need to further strengthen democratic institutions, Parliament, the judiciary, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
Concluding his message, he said national development, political stability, economic growth and public confidence could only be secured through a robust democratic framework, transparent governance and the full implementation of the Constitution. He also called on the nation to draw lessons from history by promoting tolerance, dialogue, mutual respect and national unity to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Pakistan.