Mohtarama Miss Fatima Jinnah  yesterday called upon the people to choose their political party, “after due deliberations”, and work “actively and vigilantly as a conscientious member, or else democracy in Pakistan will receive a blow from which it will be hard to recover.”

In her Independence Day message to the nation, Miss Jinnah said: “There has been an emasculation of representative political parties which are the only means of giving expression to our collective will. Instead, pocket organisations have been engineered and encouraged. This, I must warn you, is fraught with danger and the canker must not be allowed to spread.”

Appealing to the people never to compromise on the question of principles, Miss Jinnah declared: “During the past few months the country has been rocked with tremendous political shocks. Methods have been used which were far from dignified in character, but I am glad the people registered in no uncertain manner their disapproval of these methods. These events, however, have brought out the painful reality that democratic institutions are still not allowed to function in a normal way.”

Miss Jinnah said: “You, who are the inheritors of the greatest spiritual and worldly heritage, should never compromise your principles whatever may be the temptations offered or sufferings threatened. These principles you must apply to your own personal struggles in life as well as those of your country. May God help you.” — Agencies

Life of Holy Prophet RAWALPINDI: President Mohammad Ayub Khan in his message to the nation has asked the people of Pakistan to draw sustenance from the life and message of the Holy Prophet, and to work unceasingly for the unity, strength and prosperity of Pakistan....— Agencies