ISLAMABAD: An official spokesman today [Nov 21] said ... that some people of Pakistan seem to have the impression that the Acting Editor (of ‘Dawn’) reflects official thinking on some aspects of our external relations. “This is not only untrue but it is the very opposite of the real situation,” he said. ...[D]eploring the sentence of life imprisonment imposed on Dr A.M. Malik by the Dacca authorities, the spokesman said, “equally deplorable in this context is the role now being played by certain elements and groups, notably the ‘Dawn’ group of newspapers.”

… “The Government of Pakistan strongly deplores the slanderous statements of the “Dawn” group of newspapers about the Armed Forces of Pakistan. Criticism of the Generals’ Junta immediately after the surrender in Dacca might have some justification. The publication of inaccurate and slanderous articles at the present critical juncture can only be motivated by the decision to create mischief... .

“... The “Dawn” group tried to stir up new labour unrest in Karachi. The newspapers of “Dawn” group have been publishing articles promoting the alien and damaging concept of four nationalities in Pakistan and now they have assailed the honour and integrity of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. … [Agency] adds: Replying to a question as to what action was proposed ... the official spokesman said, “You will know shortly. But no arrest or suppression is contemplated.[”] — Special representative

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2022