KARACHI: Prime Minister Z. A. Bhutto declared in Karachi last night [Jan 12] that the whole world saw that the friendship between Pakistan and China had stood the test of time. “It is higher than Karakoram and deeper than the Ocean,” he said while proposing a toast at a dinner he hosted for the Chinese military delegation currently on a 12-day goodwill visit to Pakistan. … Replying, Mr Chang Tsai-chien, leader of the delegation, said the friendship between the two countries was based on principles, and had developed in “our common struggles against imperialism and expansionism.”

Mr Bhutto emphasised in his speech that Pakistan would not allow any factors to impede the growing friendship with China. … Referring to the greetings of Chairman Mao Tse-tung conveyed by the delegation, Mr Bhutto said he deeply appreciated the Chairman’s greetings and good wishes. …

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Tunisia,] Libya and Tunisia have decided to merge, it was officially announced today [Jan 12]. The new country’s name would be the Islamic Arab Republic. President Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia and Libya leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi signed the agreement to unify their nations in a single state.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2024