LAHORE: President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto said here today [May 25] fundamental rights could not be restored in the immediate future as the country was facing a real emergency as a result of the December war. The President, whose atte­n­tion was drawn to a recent statement of the Law Minister ... that fundamental rights would be restored much sooner than ... expected, said: “If the people expect it tomorrow, it is not possible.”

He noted that there had been a war and the country was facing a crucial test. Even in India the state of emergency continues, he added. The President said the country had been under Martial Law rule for full 13 years although conditions during the period were normal. “Do these elements, which are demanding immediate restoration of fundamental rights, want the situation to blow up?” he asked. — Staff reporter

[Meanwhile, as reported by the staff correspondent in Lahore,] ...Bhutto ... said that he keenly desired a broad national consensus on vital issues, before a meeting with the Indian Prime Minister... .

He said there should be discussion in newspapers, radio and television, university campuses, and all other available forums in which students, journalists, lawyers, intellectuals, and the common man should take part.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2022