KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Thursday termed July 5 one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history. “This was the day back in 1977 when an elected government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was overthrown by a military dictator,” he told a press conference at the residence of former minister Muhammad Bux Mahar. Bilawal said the PPP has a history of fighting the undemocratic forces. “Pakistan’s democracy is in trouble once again. It seems that there are some forces that are still trying to weaken it,” he said. Bilawal strongly condemned the elements who were trying to strong-arm politicians into changing loyalties. “Muhammad Bux Meher is one amongst many of my candidates who are being pressurised to jump the ship,” he claimed. Bilawal said his party wants to contest a free and fair election, not some sort of ‘selection’. He pledged to protect true democratic norms and vowed that he will not let any anti-democratic forces to usurp power from the elected representatives of the people. He said that a strong democracy needs a free media as freedom of expression is an essential part of the democratic process. Speaking to media in Sukkur, Bilawal reacted to Nawaz Sharif’s request for delaying Avenfield reference verdict for a week, stating that the accused is not in a position to dictate courts. However, he said that the announcement of the verdict should not portray Nawaz as a victim. “The timing of the verdict should not give an impression that it was not as transparent or effective as it should have been,” he said. The PPP chief noted that the protection of fundamental rights is the real essence of democracy and any compromise on it is not possible. He stressed that that democracy is not defined by merely holding elections. “While it is a positive development that the country is going to witness its second election, we must continue this trend and bring stability to it,” he said. The country still has many weaknesses that need to be removed, he added. Published in Daily Times, July 6th 2018.