Dictators should be punished for denying rights, says Zardari  

In a message on 5th July, Asif Ali Zardari said that the day is the blackest in the history of Pakistan. He also said that 5th July reminds us to strengthen democracy.

General Zia-ul-Haq overthrew the government of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on July 5th, 1977.

“It was the day when a military dictator overthrew an elected Prime Minister”, Zardari said.

Asif Zardari, while paying a tribute to the people who sacrificed their lives for democracy, said that we pledge that we will work for democracy and the rule of law in the country.

On the other hand, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is observing a “Black Day” against the martial law of 1977 today. Rallies are being taken out in different cities of the country and black flags are raised on the offices of the political party.

Anti dictatorship banners have also been placed at key sites of the cities to condemn the dictatorial rule.