RAWALPINDI: President Ayub Khan yesterday expressed the hope that the groups now being formed in the National Assembly will have their programmes “based on national outlook”. He added: “From this, we should be able to judge whether we can develop, healthy national parties or not.”

“Being the constitutional President of Pakistan,” he continued, “I cannot make any constructive contribution to the running of the country except through and in collaboration with the National Assembly.”

Continuing, he said: “So far groups have waxed and waned from day to day and their programmes do not yet seem to have developed any clear-cut and positive or constructive shape. I am hoping that mature thought and wisdom will in due course prevail, and these groups will evolve constructive programmes for the unity and betterment of the country.”

Meanwhile, a group of about 40 members from West Pakistan have adopted a seven-point programme as manifesto for operating as a group of like-mined members under the chairmanship of Sardar Bahadur Khan. Of the four ministers from the West Wing, only Mr Z.A. Bhutto attended the meeting. He said his participation was motivated by his desire to bring about unity and get West Pakistan members together.—Staff Correspondent

US resolution on Kashmir

UNITED NATIONS: The USA yesterday tabled a draft resolution on the Kashmir dispute, and there is an outside chance that Ireland might co-sponsor it with the USA. The resolution would “remind the principles” outlined in the UNCIP resolutions, and urge Pakistan and India to negotiate a Kashmir settlement at the earliest opportunity. — Special Correspondent