KARACHI: An attempt to explore the possibilities of resolving all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan may be made by the Pakistan delegation which is now in Kabul to jointly investigate the Afghan charges of alleged bombing by a Pakistan plane of Afghan levies, it was reliably learnt in Karachi on Monday [July 18]. ... Pakistan’s policy towards Afghanistan, it is maintained ... is to establish cordial and friendly relations with her... . It is regretted that in spite of the cordial feelings of sympathy ... expressed by the Government and the people of Pakistan for their Afghan neighbours, relations with Afghanistan have been marred by ... anti-Pakistan propaganda by Kabul, and it is felt that the stoppage of this propaganda would greatly help to restore the goodwill essential for maintaining “neighbourly relations”.

[Meanwhile, according to news agencies from Nathiagali,] Lt Col Sahibzada Mohammad Khursid was sworn in as Governor of the Frontier Province … this morning [July 18]. … The oath taking ceremony of the first Muslim Governor was preceded by a recitation of the Holy Quran.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2024