RAWALPINDI: President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto told Mr R.K. Karanjia, editor of ‘Blitz’, Bombay, that recognition of Bangladesh was a highly emotional issue in Pakistan and, until he could carry the people with him, he was not ready to take the step. The President insisted on a personal meeting with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman before recognition as a necessary first step, saying the dialogue would help clarify the outlook on both sides. And he promised that recognition would follow even if the talks failed.

He said his timetable and schedule had been to meet Sheikh Mujib in July and then to take the recognition matter to the National Assembly. But the Sheikh’s unbudging stand had caused loss of time and marred his plans for preparing his people for a change of outlook. … President Bhutto admitted the second summit now had a slight setback and might not take place in October, though he wished it would. But in any case [he said], Mrs Indira Gandhi was welcome at any time to visit Pakistan. … — Agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies in New Delhi] Indian Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi assured Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, here today [Sept 14] that India would not release any of the 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war until Pakistan recognised Bangladesh.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2022