ISLAMABAD: One of the key-notes of all economic policies formulated by the Pakistan Government is the equitable distribution of the resources of the country among the provinces and different areas within a province. In pursuance of this policy, the Central Government’s allocations to East Pakistan rose from 38 per cent in 1960-61 to 50pc in 1968-69. A study released here today [July 18] by the Ministry of Finance … today said that the primary objectives of Plan formulations would be to ensure that disparities between the provinces and regions were removed in the shortest possible time.

…The study said that a target of twenty years has been set to remove disparity in the per capita income between East and West Pakistan. … In pursuance of the strategy of rapid development of East Pakistan as laid down in the Third Plan, development expenditure in that region has been sharply accelerated with the help of large transfer of resources. — Agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies in Rawalpindi,] Mian Mumtaz Mohammad Khan Daultana, President of the Council Muslim League, said … it was the duty of the patriotic elements in the country to strengthen the hands of the Government of President Yahya Khan, because it symbolises the urges of the people to keep this country one and united.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2021