RAWALPINDI: Talking of Government development plans at his public meeting here this afternoon [Nov 24], President Ayub Khan emphasised the need of family planning in the country.

He told the people that the development plans, though successfully implemented, would not be able to solve the country’s problems so long as rise in population was allowed unchecked.

He advised the people to co-operate with the Family Planning authorities, co-operate with their wives and exercise self-control.

He said in a light mood that he was not asking the people to stop having children altogether. What he was suggesting was that they should have only as many children as were not a burden. — Correspondent

[Meanwhile, as reported by another correspondent in Hyderabad,] West Pakistan Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs A.G. Akhund yesterday [Nov 23] visited Hyderabad Central jail accompanied by Director of Prisons, southern region, Mr L.G. Cordiero. Mr Akhund saw different sections of the jail industries, particularly the carpet and durri section. He was very impressed by the exquisite and artistic designs of woollen and cotton carpets manufactured there.

He also saw some fine specimens of carpets prepared on the pattern and design of a Chinese carpet presented some years ago by Premier Chou En-lai to West Pakistan Government.

He was pleased to note that jail industry products were also cheaper and in great demand. He was informed that at present nearly 50 looms were installed in the jail and this number would be increased to 100 in the near future. Likewise, the number of convicts working in textile industry of the jail would be increased from 450 to 700.

The total population of the jail was now 1934, including six females. Mr Akhund was informed that greater stress was laid on education and reformation of convicts so that they should prove themselves good citizens after their release. Imparting of religious education was a regular feature and there were sufficient number of books on religion in the jail library. The Minister was also glad to know that jail hospital had 90 beds besides necessary medical facilities for treatment of its inmates.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2017