Sindh Minister for Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, has said in his special message on the occasion of July 5, Black Day, that July 5, 1977 remains one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s political and democratic history, when the democratically elected government, chosen through the will of the people, was overthrown and Martial Law was imposed across the country. He stated that the day serves as a solemn reminder of the assault on democracy, the violation of the Constitution, and the disregard for the people’s democratic mandate.
The Provincial Minister said that Black Day reinforces the enduring truth that democracy is the only guarantee for resolving public issues, ensuring national development, upholding constitutional supremacy, strengthening the rule of law, and maintaining the stability of the state. He observed that Pakistan’s history clearly demonstrates that undemocratic interventions have repeatedly undermined the country’s political, social, and economic progress, weakened democratic institutions, and adversely affected national unity.
Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation for political awareness, constitutional rights, and the empowerment of the people. By sacrificing his life, he safeguarded the principles of democracy, constitutional supremacy, and the people’s right to self governance. He added that the people centric policies of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto continue to represent a shining chapter in Pakistan’s political history, while his vision remains a symbol of public service and national progress.
The Provincial Minister further stated that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto waged a historic and unparalleled struggle against dictatorship, rendering unmatched sacrifices for the restoration of democracy, the supremacy of the Constitution, and the protection of the people’s fundamental rights. He said that now, under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Pakistan Peoples Party continues to advance the democratic mission of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party has consistently upheld the supremacy of the Constitution, the sovereignty of Parliament, the strength of the Federation, democratic governance, and the promotion of democratic values as the cornerstone of its political philosophy. He said that national development, political stability, and public prosperity can only be achieved through a strong democratic system, transparent governance, and the full implementation of the Constitution.
He further stated that July 5 calls upon the nation to renew its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, Parliament, constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, human rights, and freedom of expression, while ensuring that no unconstitutional action is ever allowed to succeed again. Concluding his message, the Provincial Minister said that the nation must learn from the bitter lessons of the past and promote tolerance, dialogue, national unity, mutual respect, and democratic traditions in order to provide future generations with a strong, peaceful, prosperous, and truly democratic Pakistan.