LAHORE: The first regular batch of Pakistani prisoners of war and civilian internees comprising 842 persons crossed this morning [Sept 28] into Pakistan at Wagah check post. The batch, which arrived from Allahabad Camp No. 38, consisted mostly of civilians. … The scenes were really touching. One could see old men and women in their eighties limping their way towards the check post, burqa-clad women, toddlers — some of them barefooted — holding the hands of their mothers. … Most sobbed … the moment they entered Pakistani territory. … Sorrow and fatigue were writ large on their thin faces.

Today’s batch also included some babies, who first opened their eyes in prison camps. … The pathetic scenes brought tears to many eyes. The women volunteers, who were there to assist the internees and console them, could not check their emotions either. — Correspondent

[Meanwhile, as reported from Peshawar,] Khan Abdul Wali Khan, Leader of the Opposition and President of NAP, escaped unhurt this afternoon [Sept 28] when some unknown persons fired at his jeep near Shergarh, about 10 miles from Mardan. … According to an official Press note one person, an attendant of Wali Khan, was killed and another, Mr Alam, was injured.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2023