ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan yesterday [Nov 8] announced its decision to formally withdraw from the South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO). The statuary notice of denunciation of the Treaty, as required by Article 10 of its statute, has been conveyed to the Government of the Philippines through the Philippines Ambassador in Islamabad. The Filipino Ambassador was called to the Foreign Office ... and was handed over the notice for onward transmission to his Government... . The representatives of other member States of the Organisation stationed in Islamabad were also summoned to the Foreign Office ... and ... given letters addressed to their respective Foreign Ministers informing them of the decision ... to withdraw from the Organisation. The decision ... envisages an appropriate role for Pakistan in the new Asia that is emerging now. — News agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies in New Delhi,] President Bhutto hinted today [Nov 9] that his country would withdraw from the Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO pact) ‘at the right moment’ just as it had done with regard to SEATO. In an interview … Mr Bhutto stressed that Pakistan’s principal concern was to live in peace with India. Mr Bhutto reiterated his determination to implement the Simla Pact on troop withdrawals... .

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2022