ISLAMABAD: The President, Gen A.M. Yahya Khan, has appealed to the nation to observe absolute austerity in celebrating ensuing Id-ul-Fitr, in view of the unprecedented calamity that has befallen our brethren in the Eastern Wing, a circular of the Home Affairs Division said today [Nov 24].

The President has further decided that he will not hold any Id reception nor shall anyone (official, non-official, foreign diplomats or dignitaries, etc) call on him. The Governors of the Provinces will similarly not hold any Id reception nor shall anyone call on them. The Central Ministers, Central and Provincial officials shall not call on each other. All of them shall refrain from sharing Id cards or greetings.

The religious part of the observance of Id, namely, saying of prayers and payment of Fitra, will, however, be observed as usual, the circular said. — Agency

[Meanwhile, as reported by another agency in Islamabad,] More messages of sympathy and concern on the cyclonic disaster in East Pakistan have been received from Heads of State and Government and other dignitaries from all over the world.

The President, Gen A.M. Yahya Khan, has tha­nked all these world leaders for their messages of sympathy on Pakistan’s national calamity.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2020