Mr Alvi, who has returned after a tour of China, hoped that there would be increasing cooperation between the two countries.

In an interview, he said there was no greater nonsense than the plea that Pakistan is in danger of being run over from the north.

“Anyone,” he said, “wishing to evaluate the progress made by China during the last 12 years must not forget the recent past in which the KMT regime had placed the country. Symptomatic of the humiliation to which China was reduced by foreign exploiters is a signboard still preserved in the Shanghai city park which said ‘dogs and Chinese not permitted to enter the park’.

“In a matter of a few years,” Mr Alvi added, “the People’s Republic of China has thrown all foreign exploiters out of their country.”

Mr Alvi added: “It is the spirit of resolute defiance and dedicated service …I came to admire and would point out to my countrymen as a beacon light from across the Himalayas.”—Agencies

Minister votes with the Opposition LAHORE: The Provincial Education Minister, Begum Mahmooda Salim Khan, set a healthy precedent in the West Pakistan Assembly yesterday (Dec 18) when she voted in favour of a resolution moved by an Opposition member.

The resolution was moved by Begum Shahnawaz (Muslim League) and recommended the abolishment of Qazi Courts to decide marriage cases.

When the resolution was put to vote, Begum Mahmooda Salim — the only woman minister in the Provincial Cabinet — unhesitatingly voted in its favour, forgetting political differences where it came to a question involving the rights of women.

Shaikh Masud Sadiq, Leader of the House and Finance Minister, remained a self-confessed ‘neutral’ during the voting, perhaps not wanting to annoy the three women members of his party.—Agencies