Mr Dehlavi told a Press conference: “We feel that the arms aid that is being rushed to India is a mistake on the part of the Western nations, and is against the rules of the United Nations … We consider any augmentation of India’s Armed Forces as a direct threat to us.”

The External Affairs Secretary, who is on a six-week tour of Western Europe to explain Pakistan’s point of view and to ask friendly nations to exert their moral influence to bring about a solution of the present Pakistani-Indian crisis, conferred yesterday with the Swedish Foreign Minister Torsten Nilson.—Agencies

Blaze in Karachi KARACHI: Eleven persons were burnt to death yesterday in a devastating fire which gutted a cluster of huts off Kutchery Road, adjacent to the Jinnah Court, in just 25 minutes.

Among the dead were five children and four women, while another 12 persons, including five children, were injured.

The fire, which is believed to have started in one of the huts at five minutes past 4 p.m. and the cause of which is not known, was brought under control at 4.30 p.m. by 11 fire engines, but not before it had claimed 11 lives and gutted nearly 200 of the 250 huts in the cluster. —Staff Correspondent

Ramazan begins KARACHI: The Ramazan moon was sighted last evening and the month of fasting will begin from today. Last minute touches were being given yesterday to give Karachi the look of Ramazan.

Mosques all over the city have been decorated and illuminated for ‘Taravih’. Shops dealing in Sehri and Iftar items have already assumed a new look.

It is, however, expected that the prices of these items may go up within a day or two as in the past. The bars in the city will remain closed throughout this holy month. —Staff Correspondent