Sindh Minister for Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi on Sunday described July 5, 1977, as one of the bleakest days in Pakistan’s political history, saying it underscored the need to safeguard democracy, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
In a message issued to mark “Black Day,” the minister said the military takeover that removed a democratically elected government on July 5, 1977, remained a stark reminder of an attack on democratic values, the Constitution and the public mandate. He added that the nation should ensure that no unconstitutional action is ever permitted to succeed again.
Shirazi said the observance of July 5 should inspire renewed commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, Parliament, constitutional supremacy, human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law, while encouraging future generations to uphold democratic traditions.
He said Pakistan’s historical experience had shown that repeated undemocratic interventions hindered the country’s political, economic and social development, weakened democratic institutions and damaged national cohesion. According to the minister, democracy remained the only sustainable path to addressing public issues, ensuring political stability, advancing national development and preserving the federation.
The provincial minister paid tribute to former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, saying he had promoted political awareness, constitutional rights and public empowerment. He said Bhutto’s sacrifice symbolized the defence of democracy, constitutional rule and the people’s right to self-governance, while his public-oriented policies continued to hold an important place in Pakistan’s political history.
He also praised Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for what he described as her historic struggle against dictatorship, saying she made unparalleled sacrifices for the restoration of democracy, the supremacy of the Constitution and the protection of fundamental rights.
Referring to the present leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Shirazi said the party, under Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, continued to pursue the democratic vision of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He added that the PPP had consistently advocated constitutional supremacy, parliamentary sovereignty, democratic governance, a strong federation and democratic values as central principles of its political philosophy.
The minister said lasting national progress, political stability and public welfare could only be achieved through a robust democratic system, transparent governance and the effective implementation of the Constitution.
Concluding his message, Shirazi urged the nation to draw lessons from the past and promote tolerance, dialogue, mutual respect, national unity and democratic norms to build a peaceful, prosperous and genuinely democratic Pakistan for future generations.