KEESH ISLAND (Iran): Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto arrived on this Gulf resort island this afternoon [March 29] and immediately went into talks with Shahanshah Mohammad Reza Pahlevi. The two leaders started their discussions without their aides present. They are expected to remain in constant contact till Mr Bhutto’s departure for home. … There is no fixed agenda for their talks, which will deal with regional and international issues.

When the Prime Minister and his entourage landed at the island’s airstrip … they were welcomed by Mr Asadollah Alam, Minister at the Imperial Court [and other officials]. The Imperial Guard presented the Pakistani leader with a guard of honour. From the airstrip, Mr Bhutto drove to the Royal Guest House. … [news agencies add] As the two leaders met, journalists were led into the room. The Shahanshah explained to the Pakistani leader development plans to convert this island into a tourist resort. … A number of Pakistanis are working in this ... island with a population of over 2,000. The Shahanshah is spending his Nauroze vacation in this tiny island. … The special PIA Boeing took exactly three hours to reach this island from Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2024