RAWALPINDI: Latest reports indicate that following an arrangement between the local commanders of India and Pakistan in the Eastern theatre, fighting has ceased in East Pakistan and Indian troops have entered Dacca.

On the Western front intermittent exchange of artillery fire is reported from places in the Northern area. Our troops inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy in clash in the Poonch sector. At the Shakargarh salient in the Sialkot area, our troops engaged the enemy and caused him considerable loss in men and materials. Two officers and fifty other ranks were captured. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force continued providing close support to the Pakistan Army throughout today [Dec 16] and last night in all sectors of operations along the West Pakistan border. News agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies in Rawalpindi,] President Gen. Agha Mohammad Yahya Khan today [Dec 16] called upon the nation to carry on the struggle with discipline and determination against Indian aggression and “final victory in this war of survival shall Insha Allah be ours”.

The President, in his broadcast to the nation, said: “We have been overwhelmed in the Eastern sector, but a temporary setback in one theatre of war does not by any means signify the end of the struggle.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2021