RAWALPINDI: There is an apparent and understandable display of caution in official quarters here in regard to the forthcoming talks between the emissaries of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President Bhutto — beginning at Murree on April 26. According to indications in informed quarters, however, Pakistan is ready to go a long way to co-operate with India for lasting peace and stability in the subcontinent settling all the problems equitably. … The ultimate aim of both the countries as indicated by recent statements of their representative leaders, is to solve a modus vivendi for permanent peace. This is possible only if the immediate problems are settled immediately… . — Special representative

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies in Rawalpindi,] Mian Mahmud Ali Kasuri, the Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, has expressed the hope that the reversion to democratic processes, which had brought Pakistan into being, would help bring the nation together again. Addressing the people of East Pakistan over the Radio ... he said that the people of West Pakistan were not to blame for the wrongs which were done to East Pakistanis. It was a coterie of Generals ... who were the culprits. Mr. Kasuri said: “[W]e are conscious we have committed many mistakes, perhaps even great ones. … [C]an we never forgive each other?”

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2022