DACCA: President Mohammad Ayub Khan today warned the nation that the Opposition was bent upon creating chaos, confusion and bloodshed in the country. Speaking at a civic reception in the Governor’s House, the President said that the Opposition leaders could have fought the coming elections in a “civilised manner” and in a “just way”. Instead they had adopted another course which would adversely affect the country’s development and progress. It would also tarnish the prestige of the country internationally.

The reception, which was followed by an Iftar party, was attended by the two Governors Mr Mohammad Musa and Mr Abdul Monem Khan, Central and Provincial Ministers, members of the Central and Provincial Assemblies, diplomats, high officials and non-officials. The President declared amidst cheers that the Government would face the Opposition and meet their challenge. He made an earnest appeal to the people to extend their helping hand to the Government so that it could save the country from disintegration at the hands of the Opposition. “It is my earnest prayer that Pakistan may become strong and remain safe both from internal and external enemies,” he added. President Ayub said that the splendid progress which had taken place in the country, particularly in East Pakistan during the last ten years, was all due to political stability and hard work put in by the people.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2018