RAWALPINDI: President Bhutto indicated here today [May 7] that Pakistan was prepared to readjust and reconsider its commitments with the SEATO and CENTO but was not ready to break any new ground that has been referred to recently by Sardar Swaran Singh and leaders of some other countries in the region. The President categorically stated that there had been no secret agreement or understanding at the recent talks between the emissaries of India and Pakistan, and there had been nothing contrary “to our professed position”.

Replying to questions at a largely attended Press conference … the President also indicated that the summit meeting between him and the Indian Prime Minister will be held sometime after June 10. His meeting with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman before the summit was difficult… . But his approach was flexible and he had kept his options open. … [T]he President said it was impossible to disintegrate what was left of Pakistan. “Whatever happens, this country will expand and not disintegrate.” He said Pakistan is going to stay. We have brought about in five months a combination of factors which is going to make disintegration of Pakistan impossible, he added.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2022