PPP observes ‘black day’ to protest 1977 takeover

PPP observed a ‘black day’ to mark the overthrow of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s elected government by General Ziaul Haq.

The Pakistan People’s Party observed a ‘black day’ on Monday to mark the overthrow of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s elected government by General Ziaul Haq in 1977.

The party leadership and workers observe this day annually to pay homage to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and laud his services to the country and to democracy. President Asif Ali Zardari called the day the darkest in the country’s history. He said the country should, however, take comfort in the fact that by July 5 this year, the constitution had been restored through the 18th Amendment.

Despite the day’s significance, no mega event was witnessed in the capital. PPP workers all across the country gathered at the President House in the morning and discussed their problems with National Assembly member Faryal Talpur. PPP secretary general Jehangir Badr said the party’s struggle spanned over 40 years adding that Monday’s gathering was meant to recognise those workers who showed bravery and courage in the dark years of martial law. A small meeting was also held at Sitara market sector G-7 which was addressed by Law Minister Babar Awan.

PPP Larkana and Kamber-Shahdadkot districts also held a similar meeting the party’s district office in Kennedy Market Larkana where members of the party gave speeches. To commemorate the day, a gathering of party leaders, workers and supporters was held at the District Council Lawn Hyderabad, while seminars, rallies and walks were held in various parts of Sindh.

Over in Peshawar a seminar was arranged by Peoples Doctors Forum (PDF) to pay  tribute to Bhutto. The day was also observed in Quetta where a large number of PPP workers and activists held a meeting at the Sarawan House headed by the party’s provincial president Senator Haji Lashkari Raisani. (with additional input from  wires)

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2010.