SKARDU: The Prime Minister, Mr Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, said today [Sept 26] that despite much publicised claim that comparatively more development had taken place in occupied Kashmir, if the people of Kashmir were allowed to exercise their right of self-determination they will vote in favour of Pakistan. The Prime Minister was addressing a big public meeting … at Purkutta village … on the bank of the Indus.

He said that he was even prepared to give three more years to India to carry out “artificial development” in occupied Kashmir after which the Kashmiris could be asked to exercise their right of self-determination. He also promised that during this period no development will take place in Azad Kashmir. He said this was a very clear offer and he was confident that despite this trumpeted development claim the Kashmiris are bound to join Pakistan. …

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the people of the area who fought against the Dogras in 1948 and liberated their territory without the help of Pakistan. This, he said, all the more confirmed that the people of Kashmir wanted to join Pakistan. … He assured the people that … Baltistan will be given equal opportunity in … development.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2024