July 06, 2008	Sunday	Rajab 2, 1429

HYDERABAD, July 5: The Pakistan People’s Party on Saturday observed ‘black day’ across the province to mark imposition of Martial Law and dissolution of PPP-led civilian government by Gen Ziaul Haq this day on July 5, 1977.

The party activists hoisted black flags on party offices and wore black armbands as a symbol of protest against and disdain for the dictatorship.

In Khairpur, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said at a gathering that Gen Zia tried to oust democratic rule from the country but the PPP leaders and workers succeeded in restoring it after a prolonged struggle and innumerable sacrifices.

He said that Gen Zia imposed Martial Law, lodged fake cases against Shaheed Bhutto and put a large number of party workers behind bars but the whole world witnessed how the unyielding workers stood by their leader to wage a struggle for the restoration of democracy.

In Hyderabad, the party organised a function at the press club to mark the day. Sindh Fisheries Minister Zahid Ali Bhurgari and other party leaders condemned imposition of Martial Law in their speeches.

Mr Bhurgari expressed fear if the PPP-PML-N coalition split it would pose serious threats to democracy because the hidden forces had already become active.

He said that the PPP government had decided to execute mega projects like Thar coal to create employment opportunities for people.

In Nawabshah, party activists observed black day and hoisted black flags on party offices. Party leaders said that PPP was a party of masses, which had launched a relentless struggle for the restoration of democracy and betterment of people.

In Shikarpur, activists of PPP-SB also joined PPP in observing black day. They hoisted black flags on rooftops of offices and buildings and wore black armbands.

The party’s local leaders condemned Gen Zia and the arrest and execution of Z.A. Bhutto. They also criticised the present PPP government and said that it had failed to complete the mission of Shaheed Bhuttos to provide Roti, Kapra Aur Makan to the poor.

In Naushahro Feroze, dozens of party leaders and workers staged a rally, which started from PPP office and terminated at the press club.

The leaders said that Zia desecrated the democracy and the constitution and arrested the first democratically elected prime minister of Pakistan.

In Larkana, party leaders and workers held a function at the party’s district office in Kennedy Market to mark the black day.