A SPOKESMAN of the Pakistan Government … expressed concern over the “numerous reports which are being received almost daily about the forcible conversion of Muslims in the East Punjab and other parts of India”. He said that “very little was being done by the East Punjab Government to stop this. About 6,000 Muslims had a few days back embraced the Sikh faith in the Kurali refugee camp in Ambala district after being subjected to starvation and other acts of torture”. The spokesman added: “In marked contrast to this, about 5,000 Sikhs wanted to embrace Islam in the West Punjab in Lyallpur district, but were not allowed to do so, as the Muslim population did not favour such conversions.” — News agencies

[Meanwhile, it was also reported that] The Governor-General of Pakistan has promulgated an Ordinance to provide for the insurance of certain property against riot and civil commotion risks. The Ordinance extends to the whole of the Dominion of Pakistan. It covers loss or damage due to fire or explosion directly caused by persons taking part in riots or civil commotion. Every factory building or other movable or immovable property shall be deemed to be property insurable. — Dawn special correspondent

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2022