The coup of 5th July 1977 sowed and watered the seeds of intolerance, extremism and terrorism: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Karachi, July 04, 2021 (PPI-OT):Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that July 5 will always be remembered as the Black Day in Pakistan’s history. The military coup that toppled the first democratically-elected people’s government, led by Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, by a tin-pot dictator General Zia, marked the vicious assault on the democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan.

In his message on the dark anniversary of that coup, the PPP Chairman said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had united the nation by picking up the pieces following the fall of Dhaka, and bringing together the nation in a vibrant democratic system with strong economic ambitions.

He said that that as the first democratically elected Prime Minister, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, oversaw the passage of the Constitution with unanimous support, laid the grounds for Pakistan’s macro-economic foundations, gave the right of citizenship and passports to every Pakistani, and set the country on the road to becoming a nuclear power. Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, also empowered the people by democratising the state, taking power from the select few, and passing it to the people, he added.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the 1977 martial law was the worst-ever attack on the people of Pakistan, and it’s pall continues to haunt this nation decades after the dictators demise. The coup of 5th July 1977 sowed and watered the seeds of intolerance, extremism and terrorism, allowing their roots to grow and embed themselves across our society, plaguing us till this day, he added.

He pointed out that Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto united the Muslim Ummah and led the Islamic world with foresight and political sagacity. He faced and challenged two dictators, and bravely fought the battle for the people’s rights, never once wavering, even when faced by the gallows. His supporters and followers were subjected to inhuman torture including lashes, solitary confinement, imprisonment and hanging, the PPP Chairman added.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that even today the war between democratic and dictatorial forces continued to rage on, and the philosophy of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto has become the rallying cry of all democratic forces. “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto said, ‘Either power must pass to the people, or everything will perish’, words that remain as true as we fight for Pakistan’s democratic survival today.

It is a truth that is at the core of every democratic Pakistani, and it is why Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto lives on, while his tormenters have been condemned to the dustbin of history,” he added. The PPP Chairman paid glowing tributes to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for laying down his life instead of compromising on the rights of the people as well as the country.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk

Shaheen Afridi welcomes Haris Rauf in central contract list

Derby, July 04, 2021 (PPI-OT):Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been welcomed by his fellow paceman of Pakistan men’s national cricket team, Shaheen Shah Afridi upon his inclusion in the central contract 2021-22 list.

Rawalpindi born Haris has been named for the first time in category C on Friday, 2 July. The 27-year old fast bowler had got emerging category last year. In the previous 12 months, Haris has featured in 22 white-ball games and took 31 wickets at an average of 26.12 and an economy rate of 7.46.

While interviewing for www.pcb.com.pk, Shaheen Shah Afridi has welcomed his friend and fellow cricketer Haris Rauf, the duo has recently represented Lahore Qalandars in HBL PSL 6.

While talking to Shaheen, Haris said, “I am very happy to get this news in Derby and of course would take it as a motivation for this year.”

He credited Shaheen’s role and said that he has learnt a lot from the left-arm fast bowler.

Mentioning about the English conditions where the tourists are set on hosts in three-match ODI series from 8 July, Haris said, “England has always remained a challenging tour, but our bowling department is good and we will create trouble for the hosts through our bowling partnerships.”

On United Kingdom government decision to allow fans come to the stadiums to witness matches, Haris expressed his delight and said he was anxiously waiting to perform in front of Pakistani fans in the stadium.

Shaheen also said that he had always enjoy performing when the crowd is around.

Tour itinerary:

6 July – Arrival in Cardiff

8 July – 1st ODI, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

10 July – 2nd ODI, Lord’s, London

13 July – 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, Birmingham

16 July – 1st T20I, Trent Bridge, Nottingham

18 July – 2nd T20I, Headingley, Leeds

20 July – 3rd T20I, Old Trafford, Manchester

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk