LONDON: A pledge to hand over power to the elected representatives of the people of Pakis­tan after the National Assembly produces an agreed constitution was made by President Yahya Khan during a remarkable kerbside dialogue with young Pakistani demonstrators outside Claridge’s Hotel in London last night [Oct 18].

When the President and his party arrived at the Hotel, about a dozen or so young Pakistani demonstrators raised slogans for early restoration of democracy in Pakistan. The President crossed the road, and joined in a lively discussion with them on Pakistan’s political problems and prospects.

Replying to questions from the demonstrators the President said it was his fervent hope that the National Assembly to be elected in December would produce an agreed constitution so that Martial Law can be ended and parliamentary Government restored in the country. President Yahya made it clear, however, that ... the Government ... would be firm with those who sought Pakistan’s disintegration.

...President Yahya denied that there were any political prisoners in Pakistan. He contended that only those who had contravened Martial Law Regulations and defied the ordinary law of the land had been detained.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2020