RAWALPINDI: At least three East European countries have made an offer of substantial economic assistance to Pakistan. The offer is at present under active consideration of the Government. It is being interpreted here as a prelude to a healthy shift in the attitude of those countries towards Pakistan.

Knowledgeable quarters, however, do not ascribe it to Pakistan’s stand on Sino-Indian border issue.

Pakistan’s economic stability, coupled with Russia’s growing interest and that of its allies in the development of retarded areas, they feel, may be responsible for this change of heart.

The most encouraging and significant aspect of this offer is that no strings are being attached to it despite the fact that Pakistan continues to be a member of all Western defensive pacts.

There are strong indications that Pakistan, which wants friendship with all countries without any discrimination, will accept the economic aid offer. The shape which this aid will take and its quantum will, no doubt, depend on Pakistan’s own requirements.

In all probability this aid will consist of heavy machinery which the country so desperately needs to attain self-sufficiency in basic industries. The West, it may be pointed out, has hitherto not given any facility to Pakistan to help set up heavy industries.—Staff Correspondent