RAWALPINDI: There has been no contact between Islamabad and Baghdad since the recovery of arms from the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad yesterday [Feb 10], as the telecommunications link between the two cities is not functioning. … (According to a radio news report, the Revolutionary Council of Iraq is in session this evening [Feb 11] in Baghdad. A statement is expected shortly).

President Bhutto, meanwhile, has called a meeting on the highest level to consider the situation. … Meanwhile, the Iraqi Ambas­s­ador, Mr Hikmat Sulaiman, is busy winding up his affairs, and making arrangements to leave Pakistan. Mr Sulaiman, who was called to the Foreign Office again today, has not been given any deadline to leave the country.

Inquiries in responsible quarters revealed that contrary to speculations the Government has no proposal to break diplomatic relations with Iraq. It continues to be extremely keen to maintain close and fraternal relations with all the Muslim and Arab countries, including Iraq. However, a thorough investigation is being planned to find out if Iraq itself was the prime mover of the gun-running operation or some other Power was also involved in it.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2023