SANGHAR: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders and workers observed July 5 as a “Black Day” in Sanghar, joining similar events held across Pakistan to commemorate the anniversary of the 1977 military takeover that ended the country’s elected government.

The protest rally was led by PPP Sanghar Tehsil President Ejaz Hassan Zardari and began from Zardari House, passing through various roads of the city before concluding at the Sanghar Press Club.

A large number of party leaders, elected representatives, office-bearers, and workers participated in the demonstration. Among those present were Naveed Dero, Usama Mari, Ejaz Zardari, Raja Rashid, and several other local PPP leaders and activists.

Participants carried Pakistan Peoples Party flags and banners while chanting slogans in support of democracy and against dictatorship. The rally remained peaceful, with party workers expressing their commitment to democratic values and constitutional governance.

Addressing the gathering, party leaders paid tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, describing him as one of Pakistan’s greatest political leaders who devoted his life to public service and national development.

The speakers said Bhutto introduced policies aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s sovereignty, promoting public welfare, and protecting the rights of ordinary citizens. They credited his leadership with significant achievements in constitution-making, national unity, and democratic governance.

According to the speakers, Bhutto consistently raised his voice for the poor, workers, farmers, and marginalized communities, making public welfare the cornerstone of his political philosophy.

The PPP leaders described July 5, 1977, as one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s political history, stating that the military coup overthrew the country’s first democratically elected government and disrupted the democratic process.

They argued that the removal of the elected government deprived citizens of their democratic right to choose their representatives and pushed the country into a prolonged period of military rule, political victimization, and institutional weakening.

The speakers reaffirmed that the Pakistan Peoples Party remains committed to the democratic vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, emphasizing the supremacy of the Constitution, protection of democratic institutions, and safeguarding the rights of the people.

They said PPP workers observe Black Day every year on July 5 to renew their pledge to resist any unconstitutional action against democracy and to continue striving for the rule of law and constitutional supremacy.

At the conclusion of the rally, party workers staged a protest demonstration outside the Sanghar Press Club, where leaders once again reiterated their commitment to defending democracy, upholding the Constitution, and protecting the people’s right to elect their representatives through a democratic process.

The event concluded peacefully, with participants expressing hope that democratic institutions would continue to grow stronger and that constitutional rule would remain the foundation of Pakistan’s political system.