LEADERS of the defunct Awami League from both the wings met Mr H.S. Suhrawardy at his residence in Karachi yesterday to discuss various political matters. The discussions were spread over two sessions — one held in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The leaders included Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Mr Tafazzal Ali (Manek Mian) and Mr Nasrullah Khan. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Mr Tafazzal Ali are due to return to Dacca tonight.

Nothing concrete has emerged from the discussions, which will continue when Mr Suhrawardy visits East Pakistan, most probably early in the second week of September. Sheikh Khurshid Ahmad, West Pakistan Minister for Law and Information, also met Mr Suhrawardy yesterday in the afternoon. He described the meeting as “a courtesy call”, even though it lasted over 75 minutes. Politics was not discussed, he told newsmen. At one time as a lawyer, Sheikh Khurshid Ahmad was Mr Suhrawardy’s “junior”.

Later asked to comment on reports in a section of the Lahore Press that he would join the Muslim League convention, Mr Suhrawardy said he did not want to discuss politics. He, however, added that it was a matter of commonsense. During his stay in East Pakistan, Mr Suhrawardy is expected to address a public meeting in Paltan Maidan.—Special Representative

Akbar Bugti arrested

Mr Mohammad Akbar Bugti, former Minister of State for Defence, was yesterday arrested by the Karachi Police under orders from the Central Government. The arrest was made from Room No 35 of Palace Hotel, Karachi, 10-30 a.m. He was staying in this room since Aug 16. Mr Bugti, was awarded death sentence by Special Military Court, Quetta, on a murder charge. The death sentence awarded to him was, however, commuted to life imprisonment and President Mohammad Ayub Khan later had suspended the sentence and ordered his release on assurances of good behaviour. Mr Bugti, it was said, had resumed his objection-able activities and was ordered to be arrested. He was taken to Central Jail.— Staff Correspondent