ISLAMABAD: China’s Hsinhua news agency has expressed the view that the Pakistan National Assembly resolution empowering the Government to recognise Bangladesh had “opened a new prospect for a fair and reasonable settlement of the disputes of all parties on the South Asian Sub-continent”.

In a recent broadcast from Peking, the agency said: “It showed the sincerity and principled stand of the Pakistan Government. Disputes between countries should be solved fairly and reasonably through negotiations. The authorities concerned are expected to seriously consider and respond to Pakistan’s initiative.” It said that since the beginning of this year, Pakistan has reiterated on many occasions her readiness to settle the disputes through negotiations.

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Peshawar,] about 20 persons were believed killed and missing in several villages near Kohat, following heavy rains early yesterday [July 15] morning. Official sources confirmed the death of six persons with two missing, but reports said the entire Bilitang Market comprising 200 shops had collapsed, killing eight persons. The Governor of NWFP, Mr. Aslam Khattak, paid a flying visit to the affected areas.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2023