RAWALPINDI: An era of freedom and happiness dawned on Gilgit and Baltistan today [Aug 22] as President Z.A. Bhutto, redeeming his election pledge, struck down the feudal system there ... and instead, extended the rule of normal law land there. The far-reaching and fundamental reforms, taking immediate effect were officially announced here today, on the eve of the President’s visit to Gilgit.

The collection of the in-kind land revenue by the feudal lords has also been abolished, and instead, in-cash collection by the official machinery has been introduced at the rate of Rs. 2.50 per maund for Jowar and Rs. 3 per maund for wheat, which will go to the Government treasury for the welfare of the people. … President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto will leave here tomorrow [Aug 23] on a four-day visit to Gilgit.

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies in the United Nations,] The Security Council’s Com­­mittee on Admissions considered ... the application of Bangladesh for the UN membership and ins­tructed its President to draft a report “taking full account of the views expressed by all parties”.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2022