QUETTA: Prime Minister Z.A. Bhutto said here today [Oct 16] that Afghanistan was definitely behind the trouble in Baluchistan. He told a Press conference … at the Governor’s House here … that Afghanistan was training dissenters. There was also Afghanistan behind bomb-explosions taking place in Pakistan these days. … Replying to a question, Mr Bhutto said that the Soviet Union was certainly not involved in it. This misunderstanding must be cleared, he emphasised. He said it was regrettable that vested interests were trying to involve the Soviet Union in the Baluchistan situation.

He told a questioner that certain friends, especially Iran, were trying to help Pakistan and Afghanistan in restoring good relations. But, unfortunately, Afghanistan’s stand was the same as before. Afghanistan was still harping on the old tunes that Pashtoonistan should be recognised. … Asked if there was a likelihood of early negotiations with the Opposition, the Prime Minister said that he never refused to hold talks with them. … He, however, made it clear that talks could not take place with pre-conditions. The [PM said] … at present no talks were being held with NAP leaders.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024