THE Secretary-General of the Qayyum Muslim League, Syed Zia Abbas … deman­ded … [a] ban on the National Awami Party and action against its leaders, who, he alleged, were working against the interest of Pakistan. Addressing a Press conference, Mr Zia Abbas … mentioned the activities of Mr Ajmal Khattak, Secretary-General of the NAP, in Kabul, and quoted his interviews given to Indian … newspapers. He said Mr. Ajmal Khattak had … stated … that Pakh­toonistan and Azad Baluchistan [were] a reality and that he (Mr Khattak) had come to Kabul to muster support for that purpose. Mr Zia Abbas said that Mr Ajmal Khattak went to USSR, Bangladesh and India secretly... .

He said it was … strange that the NAP chief did not know the whereabouts of his party’s Secretary-General in spite of the fact that his interviews were being published from Ka­­b­ul… . Under these circumstances, how [could] Khan Abdul Wali Khan … say that this was being done to give a bad name to his party… . He said that the NAP leaders were … preaching the concept of four nationalities. Khan Ab­­dul Ghaffar Khan, he added … suggest[ed] a confederation of Iran, Sind, Baluchistan, Pun­jab, NWFP, Afghanistan, India and Bangladesh.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan puzzle
Updated 28 May, 2024

Afghan puzzle

Unless these elements are neutralised, it will not be possible to have the upper hand over terrorist groups.
Attacking minorities
28 May, 2024

Attacking minorities

WHILE Pakistan has watched many perish in the cauldron of sacrilege, the state has done little to turn down the...
Persistent scourge
28 May, 2024

Persistent scourge

THE challenge of polio in Pakistan has reached a new nadir, drawing grave concerns from the Technical Advisory Group...
Mercury rising
Updated 27 May, 2024

Mercury rising

Each of the country's leaders is equally responsible for the deep pit Pakistan seems to have fallen into.
Antibiotic overuse
27 May, 2024

Antibiotic overuse

ANTIMICROBIAL resistance is an escalating crisis claiming some 700,000 lives annually in Pakistan. It is the third...
World Cup team
27 May, 2024

World Cup team

PAKISTAN waited until the very end to name their T20 World Cup squad. Even then, there was last-minute drama. Four...