WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Bhutto has said we want good relations with India: we want consolidation of the issues of peace and no confrontation. Mr. Bhutto was speaking at a dinner he hosted … in honour of prominent [US] leaders. Replying to the toast [US] Vice-President Rockefeller paid tributes to Mr. Bhutto and said that he (Bhutto) had created a sense of purpose and sense of direction for his nation. … Mr. Bhutto pointed out that Pakistan’s confrontation with India was very old, but “I say to the Indians that we want good relations”. He said that the situation was changing in the world. “Why should we have confrontation” he asked.

[Meanwhile, according to another report from news agencies, Mr Bhutto] received a 19-gun salute and a red carpet military ceremony upon his departure [from Washington] today [Feb 7] for New York City after an official visit here. … Mr Bhutto was extremely pleased with his visit here, according to high American and Pakistani officials. …

The “Washington Post” said in its editorial today [Feb 7]: “If he is as charming on conference table as he is a dinner host, Prime Minister Bhutto of Pakistan just might get all the defensive weapons he is seeking during his visit to the United States.”

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2025