RAWALPINDI: President Z.A. Bhutto told a mammoth public meeting here today [Dec 1] that eventually the question of Bangladesh recognition would be decided by the elected representatives of the people in the National Assembly. He said no decision on the question would be taken against the larger interest of the country.

He pointed out that if Pakistan did not recognise Bangladesh, the Muslims in East Pakistan will continue to suffer and the Indian supremacy over Bangladesh will not end. The President said the people of Sind, Baluchistan and NWFP have supported the recognition of Bangladesh. As the President finished his speech, there were shouts from all corners: “Manzur Hai, Manzur Hai.” — Special representative

[Meanwhile, as reported by our Staff Corres­pondent from Lahore,] Indian and Pakistani prisoners of war, captured during December 1971 war, were repatriated today [Dec 1] at Wagah post, about 17 miles from here. Pakistani authorities repatriated 616 Indian POWs, including seven army and ten air force officers. … As against that, 540 Pakistani POWs, including five army and two police officers, returned home. The Indians, who looked bright, healthy and cheerful, praised the treatment meted out to them by the Pakistani officials in their camps.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2022