July 5 to be remembered a Black Day in the country’s history: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilan said that July 5, will always be remembered as a Black Day in the history of the country.

It was on this day that a dictator overthrew a democratically elected government of Shaheed Zulifqar Ali Bhutto and plunged the country into darkness of martial law for eleven-long years; he said this in his message marking the day on Tuesday.

He said today all the political forces should pledge to work for strengthening democracy and promote a culture of dialogue, instead of sabotaging the democratic order.

He further said that the democratic forces should demonstrate political sagacity, wisdom of thought and maturity of action for further strengthening the country, which was attained by rendering supreme sacrifices.

Prime Minister said had the people’s will been respected and their government allowed to serve them, Pakistan must have become politically and economically a great power both in the region as well as beyond.

He said the multiple challenges facing the country today owe themselves to lack of continuity of the democratic system.

Gilani said democracy and representative rule is the only way forward to secure country’s interests. He said no nation can aspire to have any role at the regional and global level unless its institutions are strong, which is, otherwise, a function of strong democracy.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said the day also reminds us of the heroic struggle waged by the workers of Pakistan People’s Party against the dictatorial regime and for restoration of people’s inalienable right to determine their future through their elected representatives.

On July 5, let us pledge to work even harder for strengthening democracy in the country, he added.

Copyright PPI (Pakistan Press International), 2010