RAWALPINDI: President Yahya Khan this afternoon [Dec 17] ordered the Pakistan forces to cease fire with effect from 1430 GMT… . In a statement … the President said “if India is sincere in its pronouncement of the cease-fire, then she should proceed through the United Nations to formalise it”. The President said he gave the order for cease-fire “in the interest of peace” and in pursuance of the resolution of the UN General Assembly. The President’s statement said: “I have always maintained that war solves no problem and that there should be negotiations between India and Pakistan to resolve all outstanding disputes.”

… “The General Assembly resolution had the overwhelming support of 104 member nations of the international community and the world expected India to respond to it in the interest of peace.”

NEW YORK: Foreign Minister-designate Zulfikar Ali Bhutto has said his country should accept a ceasefire with India … . [Mr Bhutto said at the United Nations] Pakistan should prepare to negotiate for a permanent settlement with the East Pakistani insurgents as well as with India. He also said that Pakistan which is now ruled by a military regime, should return soon to civilian Government … . … Mr Bhutto said he would return home shortly…

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2021