Şerry Rehman: Lessons Must Be Learned from the 5 Temmuz Coup, Democracy Must Be Protected

Pakistan Halk Partisi (PPP) Vice President and Senator Şerry Rehman emphasized that the date of 5 Temmuz is one of the darkest days in the country's history. She stated that the military intervention on 5 Temmuz 1977 struck a heavy blow to Pakistan's constitution, its parliament, and the democratic will of the people. Rehman drew attention to the significance of this day by recalling how the legitimate government elected by the people was overthrown and the constitutional order was trampled underfoot. She expressed that this event was not limited to the overthrow of a government, but also meant a direct attack on the rights of the people and the democratic future of the country. As one of the prominent figures of the Pakistan Halk Partisi, Rehman stated that this historical event is a bitter lesson that must not be forgotten for the country.

Drawing attention to the challenges of the struggle for democracy, Şerry Rehman criticized the overthrow of Prime Minister Zülfikar Ali Bhutto (Quaid-e-Awam). She emphasized that the illegitimate steps taken against Bhutto were actually a blow to the will of the people. Highlighting that Bhutto's daughter and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto pursued this democratic struggle with determination, she emphasized the sacrifices of her family. She recalled that Benazir Bhutto was imprisoned many times during her life, tortured, and did not bow to successive dictators. In this context, Şerry Rehman noted that the struggle of the Bhutto family for democracy is an inspiring legacy for the people of Pakistan.

Senator Rehman, referring to the deep-rooted history of the Pakistan Halk Partisi, stated that all attempts to silence the leadership of the people and democratic politics ultimately failed. She emphasized that despite policies of oppression and repression, the founding values of the party continue to guide the people today. Rehman stated that for the re-establishment of democracy, party workers were imprisoned for years, exposed to violence, and faced numerous hardships. She noted that despite all this pressure, the members never compromised on the ideology of their leaders and did not give up the struggle. She added that the courage and determination shown by political activists played a critical role in shaping today's Pakistan political life.

Stating that 5 Temmuz is not just a date left in the past, but also a critical warning for the future, Rehman spoke about the importance of remembering this day. She stated that the best way to respectfully commemorate all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for democracy, especially Zülfikar Ali Bhutto, is to strengthen the commitment to the constitution. She emphasized that the constitutional order and the supremacy of law must be strictly guaranteed to prevent Pakistan from experiencing similar tragedies in the future. Pointing out the necessity of learning from this historical pain, she called for the strengthening of the country's legal and political institutions. Rehman said she believes that new generations must be made aware of this history in order to keep democratic values alive.

She stated that Pakistan's future political stability can only be achieved through full adherence to the will of the people and legal frameworks. She argued that the nation must learn the necessary lesson from past unconstitutional military interventions and that the decisions made by the people must be respected under all circumstances. Şerry Rehman emphasized that protecting democracy is an indispensable prerequisite for the country's economic and social development. As a result, she stated that the Pakistan nation must act in unity and solidarity to protect its democratic order at all costs. She emphasized with her words that members of parliament and all political actors must prioritize the democratic future of the country above personal or institutional interests.