July 5 Marks Darkest Chapter in Pakistan’s History, Says Bilawal Bhutto

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has termed July 5, 1977, as the darkest chapter in Pakistan’s history, calling for national unity to overcome the lingering effects of dictatorship.

In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal said that the military coup of July 5 sowed the seeds of hatred and division within the nation — consequences that continue to affect Pakistan’s political, social, and national consciousness to this day.

“An elected government was overthrown on this day, plunging the country into darkness,” he stated. “We must all come together to eliminate the shadows of dictatorship so that future generations can inherit a bright, peaceful, and democratic Pakistan.”

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Bilawal emphasized the need for a collective national effort to move away from hate, polarization, and authoritarianism, and instead embrace unity, tolerance, and constitutional supremacy.

“It is time to rise above personal rule and embrace democratic values,” he added, underscoring the PPP’s historical stance against autocracy and its commitment to democratic governance.

July 5 marks the day when General Zia-ul-Haq imposed martial law in 1977 by overthrowing the elected government of then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto — an event that drastically altered Pakistan’s political landscape.