DACCA: The President, Gen A.M. Yahya Khan, today [Aug 4] assured the flood-afflicted people of East Pakistan that the whole nation was with him in their resolve to alleviate their sufferings and that he would do his best to mobilise all resources — Governmental, national and international for this purpose.

The President stressed that flood control measures would be tackled as a national problem and there would be no shortage of funds for this purpose. ... He said he had moved the whole world in connection with flood control measures and the response had been “nice”. What was required now was organised and planned schemes. …

Before landing in Dacca, the President had flown over some of the flood-affected areas. He described the flood as “one of the worst in my memory”. He expressed his deep sympathy for “millions of my countrymen” who have suffered untold miseries.

He assured that the Government within its resources would do its best to alleviate the sufferings of the people, but pointed out that the Government alone could not do it. The whole nation must rise as one man to face this national disaster, he emphasised. “As true Muslims and Pakistanis we must face up to these difficulties and tribulations — and Inshallah we shall.”

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2020