KARACHI: A request by the Nizam of Hyderabad has lately been received by the Government of Pakistan for conversion of 1.3 million pounds, lying frozen in banks in London, into a trust for his family. Negotiations on the subject are stated to be going on between the Governments of Pakistan and India and the Nizam.

The money has remained blocked in London banks in the joint name of the Nizam and the Pakistan High Commission in London. It was diverted after partition of the sub-continent when the Nizam feared an Indian military attack. When Hyderabad State was overrun, the Indian Government claimed the Nizam’s money in a suit filed in a court in London, but it lost the case.

Later, the Nizam at the Indians’ behest made requests at intervals for release of the money, but they were rejected. The latest now is the request for converting the frozen amount into a trust for his children and grandchildren.

Meanwhile an agency report has stated that Mr Ikramullah, Chairman, Commonwealth Economic Committee, who is currently in Karachi, has taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan. Foreign Office sources, when contacted, disclaimed any knowledge about such a move.—Staff Correspondent