ISLAMABAD, Jul 05 (APP):Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gillani on Sunday termed July 5, 1977, a "Dark Day" (Yaum-e-Siyah) in the nation's history, saying it was the day when the constitutional and democratic government of the country's first elected prime minister, Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was unlawfully overthrown. In his message on the occasion, the Senate chairman said the unconstitutional act of July 5 was not merely the end of a …
Gillani calls July 5, 1977, a dark day in Pakistan’s democratic history
ISLAMABAD, Jul 05 (APP):Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gillani on Sunday termed July 5, 1977, a “Dark Day” (Yaum-e-Siyah) in the nation’s history, saying it was the day when the constitutional and democratic government of the country’s first elected prime minister, Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was unlawfully overthrown.
In his message on the occasion, the Senate chairman said the unconstitutional act of July 5 was not merely the end of a government but a severe blow to Pakistan’s Constitution, federation, and democratic institutions.
He said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave the nation the consensus Constitution of 1973, which serves as the ultimate guarantee of the country’s survival and security, adding that its suspension pushed the nation into the darkness of dictatorship.
Yousaf Raza Gillani paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for democracy and the rights of the people.
He said the leadership and workers of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had historically endured floggings, imprisonment, and even laid down their lives for the restoration and survival of democracy.
The Senate chairman added, “On this day, we must reiterate our resolve that the supremacy of Parliament, the sovereignty of the Constitution, and the sanctity of the people’s vote will never be compromised. Those who launched a midnight assault on democracy have faded into the oblivion of history, while the name and philosophy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto live on in the hearts of millions.”
He concluded by saying that the only path to national stability and progress lay in a strong Parliament and uninterrupted democratic continuity, adding that the Senate of Pakistan would continue to play its pivotal role in strengthening the federation and upholding constitutional supremacy.
