LONDON: Pakistan’s High Commissioner, Mr Agha Hilaly, had a “lengthy meeting” with the British Commonwealth Secretary, Mr Arthur Bottomley, to discuss the situation created by apparent United States reluctance to give aid to Pakistan’s Third Five-Year Plan, it was stated today [July 22]. The British Government has not yet come out with its views on the American move to get the World Bank meeting postponed until September, although some European countries have resented Washington’s action.

The details of Mr Hilaly’s talks with Mr Bottomley were not disclosed, but sources said that the British Government was informed by the Pakistan envoy about the situation created by the American policy which no one doubts has been dictated by political considerations. One source said that Britain and Canada are both members of the Commonwealth as well as the Consortium and it was time the Commonwealth point of view should be made known publicly. Many Pakistanis believe that the Commonwealth must emerge in a situation like this if Britain and other countries really want it to exist as a living organisation.

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies from Karachi] windstorms and rain that lashed Karachi for two days have left the Aero Club in shambles. Two if its three hangars and the planes — three Gliders and a high performance Olympian — stationed therein have been completely destroyed. Also gone with them are a jeep and a big quantity of spares which were stored in the store room.

Minor cracks have also appeared in the walls of the main hangar. An official of the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation inquiring into the incident estimates that the loss of property will be running into six figures. Luckily no loss of life occurred.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2015

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