KARACHI: The Soviet-Pakistani relations of 28 years’ standing show that the two countries’ friendship and mutually advantageous cooperation serve the cause of strengthening peace in Asia and all over the world, and correspond to the vital interests of both the nations as well as of the peace-loving peoples of the world. A Press release of the Soviet Consulate said [this] in Karachi. …

On the 28th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Soviet Union and Pakistan, Soviet commentator A. Prokhorov has stated “…Soviet Union and Pakistan established diplomatic relations thereby opening new ways for the strengthening of good neighbourly relations and cooperation. …”

“…The coming to power, in Pakistan, of the civil administration headed by Mr Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in December, 1971, marked the beginning of the democratic reforms in the country, the policy towards the consolidation of the state sector, and the institution of other progressive reforms. The Government of [Mr Bhutto], following a foreign policy of strengthening friendly relations among all nations, took a number of positive steps… . Among them was Pakistan’s withdrawal from SEATO. …”

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026