AN appeal to Muslims to maintain peace and order when the Viceroy visits the North-West Frontier Province to examine the situation personally, was made by Qaed-e-Azam Jinnah in a statement on Thursday [April 24]. … Following is the text of the statement:

“I have had talks with His Excellency the Viceroy more than once and, as a result therefore, the first step has been taken by the Frontier Government in announcing: (1) Their decision to release unconditionally all political prisoners as soon as conditions permit; and (2) that they have no intention of interfering with the freedom of expression of political opinion or with peaceful meetings, but processions and picketing cannot be permitted until normal conditions return.

“… The fact that his Excellency is going to the Frontier is undoubtedly an indication of his earnestness to examine the situation personally and to establish contact with the leaders in the Province… . I feel that the Viceroy is determined to play fair. And in view of these circumstances, I appeal to the Muslim Leaguers in particular to maintain peace, law and order so as to give the Viceroy every opportunity to fully understand the situation.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2022