It is crucial to recognize and remember other significant days that have deeply scarred the nation, highlighting systemic failures and the often-tragic outcomes of power struggles by political parties and leaders against powerful military establishment…… Syed Atiq ul Hassan.
The call to observe May 9 as a Black Day in Pakistan is understandable, given the security failures and subsequent chaos. However, this single day does not encapsulate the myriads of dark
moments in Pakistan’s turbulent history since its creation. It is crucial to recognize and remember other significant days that have deeply scarred the nation, highlighting systemic failures and the often-tragic outcomes of power struggles by political parties and leaders against powerful military establishment.
On October 16, 1951, Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Liaqat Ali Khan, was assassinated while addressing a public gathering at Company Bagh (now Liaqat Bagh) in Rawalpindi. His death marked the beginning of a long history of political instability and violence in Pakistan. The mystery surrounding his assassination remains unresolved, reflecting a dark chapter in Pakistan’s quest for democratic stability.
Another critical day in Pakistan’s history is October 7, 1958, when General Ayub Khan imposed the country’s first martial law. This move abrogated the 1956 Constitution and dissolved the democratic parliamentary system, setting a precedent for military interventions in Pakistan’s politics. Ayub Khan’s declaration of himself as President in the 1960s further entrenched military rule and altered the course of the nation’s governance. Since then, military establishment directly or indirectly has been ruling Pakistan.
July 9, 1967, marks a dark day in Pakistan’s history when Fatima Jinnah, the sister of the nation’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was mysteriously murdered, though officially her death was attributed to heart failure. Before her death, she faced a ban on public speaking and media appearances and was charged with treason against the state.
The general elections of 1970 were a turning point in Pakistan’s history. Despite winning the majority of seats by National Awami Party of Sheikh Mujeeb ur Rehman, the civilian government of Awami League was not granted power by General Yahya Khan, the then Chief Martial Law Administrator. This refusal to honour the democratic process led to widespread unrest and ultimately contributed to the secession of East Pakistan.
On December 16, 1971, Pakistan experienced one of its darkest days when the army, led by General Niazi, surrendered to Indian forces, resulting in the separation of East Pakistan, which became Bangladesh. This defeat not only marked a significant territorial loss but also left a lasting impact on the nation’s psyche and military morale.
In 1977, the Constitution of 1973 was suspended, and General Zia-ul-Haq imposed martial law once again. His regime, marked by the introduction of a fabricated democracy, further eroded the country’s democratic institutions. Zia’s era was characterized by severe political repression, human rights abuses, and the controversial Islamization of Pakistani society.
December 27, 2007, is another day of mourning for Pakistan. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan, sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Her death underscored the persistent dangers faced by political leaders in Pakistan and the ongoing threats to democratic processes.
On October 12, 1999, General Pervez Musharraf staged a coup, ousting the democratic government and imposing the fourth martial law in Pakistan’s history. This act further destabilized the political landscape and delayed the nation’s progress towards a stable democratic system.
December 16, 2014, is etched in the memory of every Pakistani as a day of profound tragedy. The attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, which resulted in the massacre of 150 people, including 134 students, by Taliban terrorists, highlighted the severe security lapses and the ongoing threat of terrorism. This horrific event united the nation in grief and underscored the urgent need for comprehensive counter-terrorism measures.
The general elections held on February 8, 1993, were marred by massive rigging and fraudulent practices. The installation of a forged government through these means not only disillusioned the public but also weakened the foundations of the electoral process in Pakistan. This day serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparent and fair elections for the legitimacy of democratic governance.
Now, amidst Pakistan’s tumultuous history, stands Imran Khan—a figure of both controversy and acclaim. Known globally for his exceptional cricket career and locally for his philanthropic efforts, Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister marked a period of ambitious reforms and challenges. Under his leadership, Pakistan won the Cricket World Cup in 1992. His efforts in international cricket by bringing in neutral umpire eliminate the controversies in world cricket competitions.
Imran Khan established the first state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Lahore, expanding to five more centres under the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital banner. His political party, PTI, while in government, established five universities. Mr. Khan political calibre and leadership successfully brought Pakistan’s voice against Islamophobia to the United Nations. Convincing the UN representative countries, UN adopted a resolution that proclaimed March 15 as ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia’ every year.
Despite these achievements, Khan’s political journey has been fraught with obstacles. Following a landslide victory on February 8 (2024) elections, the establishment’s alleged interference led to accusations and a barrage of legal challenges—about 200 cases aimed at discrediting him and his party, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Mr. Khan has been in jail for nearly a year now, facing a relentless campaign to sideline him from the political landscape. This ongoing struggle reflects a recurring theme in Pakistan’s history—a nation grappling with internal strife and external pressures, where political leaders face immense challenges to sustain democratic processes and enact meaningful change.
While May 9 stands as a symbol of recent failures, it is imperative for the Pakistani nation to remember and reflect upon other significant dark days in its history. Observing these Black Days can serve as a solemn reminder of the challenges Pakistan has faced and the resilience required to overcome them. By acknowledging these painful moments, the nation can strive towards building a more transparent, just, and democratic future, learning from the past to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
As Pakistan navigates its complex history and challenges, Imran Khan’s legacy stands as a testament to both resilience and controversy. His achievements in cricket, healthcare, education, and international diplomacy have left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s societal fabric. However, his tenure as Prime Minister has also been marked by political turbulence and allegations of institutional resistance. Despite these challenges, Khan’s commitment to reform and his efforts to confront entrenched issues resonate deeply with many Pakistanis. The ongoing efforts to sideline him underscore the broader struggles within Pakistan’s political landscape, where the pursuit of democratic governance remains a constant battle against adversity and entrenched interests of the powerful military establishment who dictates the civil bureaucracy and judiciary.
Pakistan’s journey through its dark days and moments of resilience offers valuable lessons for the future. By remembering and reflecting on these historical challenges, Pakistan can chart a path towards a more inclusive, just, and prosperous society. The legacy of leaders like Imran Khan serves as a beacon of hope amidst the complexities of Pakistan’s political landscape, reminding us of the enduring power of determination and vision in overcoming adversity. (The writer, Syed Atiq ul Hassa, is a Sydney-based journalist, analyst, writer, author, and editor Tribune International (Australia). His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com ).
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