ISLAMABAD: President Ayub, who took the oath of office for the second term today [March 23], declared that his Government would be more in touch with the people and their elected representatives both at the Centre and in the Provinces than ever before in the history of the Sub-continent. Speaking at a colourful and solemn ceremony, which marked the installation of the first elected Head of State, President Ayub asked everyone to shed jealousies, parochial feelings and negative attitudes.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr Justice A.R. Cornelius administered the oath of office. A little later Malik Amir Mohammad Khan, and Mr Abdul Monem Khan were administered the oaths by Chief Justice of the Provincial High Courts as Governors of West and East Pakistan. The oath-taking ceremony was held in the Marble Hall of the imposing Pakistan House. — Correspondent

[Meanwhile, as reported by our correspondent from Rawalpindi], the President, Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, today took the salute at a spectacular joint services parade. The officers and men drawn from the three services — Army, Navy and Air Force — presented a fine turnout which drew loud cheers from thousands of enthusiastic people who had gathered at the spacious parade ground. President Ayub in the Field Marshal’s uniform entered the parade ground in a coach and six Mounted Body Guards in golden and red robes escorted the Presidential coach. Bugles announced the President’s arrival and everyone rose in his seat.

Published in Dawn March 24th , 2015

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