Addressing a largely-attended public meeting here this evening at the Ayub Stadium, the President said that if such an arrangement could be made it would ensure proper defence of the region and help in the systematic economic development of all three countries.

He said that since these countries are surrounded by mighty neighbours it is only by united efforts that territorial integrity can be ensured.

“Divided they could hardly hope to withstand pressure from without and might succumb one by one,” President Ayub said. “United”, he added, “they could defend themselves.”

The President said he was of the view that the people of the three countries would like to get together for the purpose of warding off external dangers and achieving prosperity within “if only their rulers let them do so.”

While applauding the recent efforts by the Shahinshah of Iran to smooth out differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan, President Ayub said it seemed that the Afghan government was not in a mood to restore normal relations with Pakistan on the “basis of sincerity”.

He said Pakistan, as in the past, was willing to extend every possible assistance to Afghanistan both for its defence requirements and economic development.

But, he emphatically said, no subversive activities could be permitted.—Staff Correspondent