This was stated by Col M.KQ. Hashmi, Director, Malaria Eradication Programme, at a news conference at Karachi Press Club yesterday.

By 1968, he said, the country would be largely free from the ravages of malaria. The operations being carried on methodically under a scheme worth Rs52 crores will cover the whole of Pakistan in six years. Mopping up of malaria-infested areas will take another six years to completely eradicate the disease, he added.

Col Hashmi called for close coordination at all levels to make the malaria eradication campaign a success. He specially appealed to the national Press, seeking its cooperation in what he called the country’s “very big nation-building venture”.

The Director listed the devastating effects of malaria on a nation’s economy, particularly of a developing country like Pakistan. Malaria, he pointed out, makes people “absolutely a physical wreck”, is a direct source of a nation’s backwardness, and nullifies the benefits accruing from the development projects in hand.—Staff Correspondent

Progress made on students’ front PESHAWAR: The Home Minister, Mr Habibullah Khan, today disclosed that the Government was considering the withdrawal of externment orders issued against 12 students of Karachi.

Mr Habibullah told newsman on his arrival here from Mardan that a decision in this regard would be made very shortly. — Agencies