KARACHI: The Prime Minister, Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, emphatically stated in Parliament on Monday [March 26] that his Government had never used its special powers for political purposes — nor had it detained a single man because of political differences. But it would use them ruthlessly if found necessary for the safety and integrity of Pakistan. The Prime Minister was speaking on an Opposition motion regarding the “policy of detaining people without trial” during the discussion on the demand for “Cabinet”.

“The safety and integrity of Pakistan come first and the liberty of the individual comes afterwards,” he declared amidst cheers.

Earlier Khwaja Shahabuddin, Minister for Interior, said he was glad to note the change in the tone of criticism of the Government’s Powers. He said [the] Government was continually reviewing the cases of those detained under the special powers. Mr D.N. Dutta, who moved the cut motion, urged the Government to treat such prisoners liberally and generously and give allowances to the members of their families during the period of their detention.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2026