ISLAMABAD: The Indo-Pakistan talks on resumption of postal and telecommunications link and travel facilities between the two countries began here this morning [Sept 12] on a hopeful note. The two delegations, led by Foreign Secretary Agha Shahi and his Indian counterpart Kewal Singh, met for over an hour. … The leaders of the two delegations … continued their discussion — extending the scope of the talks … to the question of overflights, air link and trade, besides exchanges in the fields of science and culture. Pakistan delegation sources later said the talks were held in a good atmosphere and marked by a “constructive approach”.

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Addis Ababa,] Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia was deposed by the Armed Forces today [Sept 12] and his son … summoned … to become King in name only. The 82-year-old Emperor, known … as the Lion of Judah but now bearded and de-fanged … faces an uncertain future. … He was detained in the Royal Palace … and was said by the officer in command of troops guarding the palace to be “alive and well”. But later, Addis Ababa Radio said he had been “taken to a place specially prepared for him”.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2024