Zardari stresses ending disastrous policy of privatised jihad on 'day of shame'

ISLAMABAD - Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari called for an end to the disastrous policy of privatised jihad that, in his opinion is haunting the nation to this day.

In his special message released on Wednesday, the politician termed July 5 'day of shame' in a reference to ouster of former prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto from office back in 1977.

“July 5 is a day of shame and horror in the country’s history as it was on this day 40 years ago when the nation was hijacked by Bonaparte,” he said in his message.

“It was on this day that a military dictator began decimating state institutions, privatising jihad and enacting black laws against women and non-Muslims in the name of religion,” he added.

The former president highlighted that on the day the nation began its collective descent into anarchy and mayhem — a descent that still continues in the name of religion.

Zardari called for an end to the policies fueling sectarian violence and blamed dictatorial stint for its origin.

“On this day, we reiterate our resolve that Pakistan will have to be a democratic, pluralistic and a moderate country in which there is no place for religious extremism, militancy and sectarianism,” he said.

The PPP leader also paid homage to the martyrs of democracy who suffered and sacrificed during that black period of national history."

"Our thoughts also go to those who have laid down their lives and suffered otherwise in fighting the extremist mindset and militant ideology," the statement added.