Karachi :Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has declared July 5 as the darkest and most tragic day in Pakistan’s political history. On this day in 1977, the first democratically elected government of Pakistan, led by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was forcibly dismissed through a military coup led by General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. This unconstitutional act not only derailed the democratic process but also marked the beginning of a prolonged period of military dictatorship that had deep and lasting consequences for the nation.
Historical Background: The Coup of July 5, 1977
On July 5, 1977, General Zia-ul-Haq, then Chief of Army Staff, overthrew the civilian government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, citing widespread political unrest and allegations of rigging in the general elections held earlier that year. Under the guise of maintaining law and order, the constitution was suspended, assemblies dissolved, and martial law was imposed across the country.
This abrupt and forceful change in government reversed the democratic progress that Pakistan had been striving for since its inception. It also initiated an era of military dominance in politics, religious extremism, censorship, and a systematic rollback of civil liberties.
Sharjeel Memon’s Message: A Tribute to Bhutto’s Vision
Sharjeel Inam Memon, a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and current Minister for Information and Transport in Sindh, reflected on the significance of July 5 in his message to the public. He strongly condemned the 1977 coup and called it an act of betrayal against the people of Pakistan.
“July 5 is the darkest day in the history of Pakistan. It was on this day that the country’s first elected and popular government was overthrown in an unconstitutional manner,” said Memon.
He emphasized that the political and developmental trajectory of Pakistan would have been vastly different had Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government continued. According to Memon, Bhutto’s leadership was visionary, people-centered, and aimed at transforming Pakistan into a strong, independent, and self-reliant nation.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Legacy: Reforms and National Unity
Memon highlighted the significant contributions of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Pakistan’s socio-economic and geopolitical standing:
- Nuclear Program Initiation: Bhutto is often credited with laying the foundations of Pakistan’s nuclear program, which ultimately led to the country becoming a recognized nuclear power in 1998. His famous quote, “We will eat grass but make a nuclear bomb,” reflects his commitment to national defense and sovereignty.
- Labor and Agricultural Reforms: Bhutto introduced sweeping reforms aimed at empowering the working class and the agrarian community. These included land reforms, the nationalization of key industries, and the introduction of labor rights that strengthened workers’ unions.
- Islamic Unity: Under Bhutto’s leadership, Pakistan hosted the historic 1974 Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore, which brought together leaders from across the Muslim world. This was a major diplomatic achievement that positioned Pakistan as a central player in the Islamic bloc.
Sharjeel Memon lamented that the military coup was not just a domestic betrayal but the result of a global conspiracy aimed at halting Pakistan’s rise on the world stage. He argued that Bhutto’s independent foreign policy, nuclear ambitions, and efforts to unite the Muslim world posed a threat to powerful global interests.
PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro: July 5 Will Always Be a Black Day
In a parallel statement, PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro echoed similar sentiments. He denounced the military intervention of July 5, 1977, as an act of aggression against democracy and a moment of deep national tragedy.
“The bloodshed of democracy on July 5 will be remembered as a black day in Pakistan’s history,” Khuhro stated.
Khuhro emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always stood firm against authoritarianism and has worked tirelessly to restore democratic values and civilian supremacy.
18th Amendment: Reclaiming Democratic Space
One of the most significant democratic achievements highlighted by Nisar Khuhro was the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment during the tenure of President Asif Ali Zardari in 2010. This amendment reversed many of the undemocratic provisions introduced during military regimes, particularly Article 58(2)(b).
What Was Article 58(2)(b)?
Article 58(2)(b) of the Constitution allowed the President to dissolve the National Assembly at his discretion, a power that was frequently misused to topple elected governments during the 1990s.
Khuhro noted:
“The PPP deserves credit for restoring the Constitution to its original form. The passage of the 18th Amendment and the abolition of Article 58(2)(b) were monumental steps in protecting democratic continuity.”
He praised Parliament and President Zardari for their commitment to institutional reforms and the strengthening of the democratic process in Pakistan.
PPP’s Continued Commitment to Democracy
The Pakistan Peoples Party, founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1967, has faced numerous challenges including political repression, military crackdowns, and the judicial execution of its founder. Yet, the party continues to advocate for democratic governance, social justice, and the protection of civil liberties.
Both Sharjeel Memon and Nisar Khuhro reiterated that the PPP will continue to commemorate July 5 as a “Youm-e-Siyah” (Black Day) to remind the nation of the dangers of military intervention in civilian matters.
Public Reaction and Historical Perspective
The events of July 5, 1977, remain controversial to this day. While some segments of society viewed Zia’s coup as necessary at the time due to political instability, a vast majority of historians, political analysts, and civil society members now agree that it marked a dangerous precedent of military interference in politics.
The dictatorship that followed lasted for over a decade, during which political parties were banned, press freedom was curtailed, and Islamic laws were introduced that critics argue led to long-term societal polarization.
Conclusion: Remembering and Learning from History
As Pakistan continues its journey towards democratic consolidation, the lessons of July 5 must never be forgotten. The events of 1977 serve as a painful reminder of how fragile democracy can be in the face of authoritarian ambitions.
Through continued public awareness, commemoration, and education, parties like the PPP hope to instill in future generations the importance of democratic values, constitutional supremacy, and civilian rule.
By observing July 5 as a Black Day, the PPP seeks not just to honor the legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto but also to warn against the consequences of veering away from democratic principles.
