KARACHI: The nation yesterday [May 3] celebrated the completion of the honourable return of the Pakistani prisoners of war from Indian captivity by offering thanksgiving prayers to Almighty Allah for restoring the prestige of the country in the eyes of the world. It was a national holiday yesterday. Throughout the country, the national flag flew atop Government and public buildings. … Newspapers published special supplements highlighting the courage and sacrifice of the POWs. …

Political, social, cultural and student organisations executed various programmes. Sweets were distributed to children, special food were served to the patients at hospitals and maternity homes, and special tax-free film shows were also held. [News agencies add from Rawalpindi,] The Government has taken effective steps to rehabilitate 12,000 destitutes repatriated under the Delhi Agreement of last August, and jobs have been provided to almost all heads of families who are able to work. This was revealed in a special report telecast from the Rawalpindi-Islamabad TV Centre. The report said that in only Rawalpindi more than 200 persons have been provided jobs... . r

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2024