There was no issue of the paper on Nov 3, 1949, on account of Ashura. The excerpt below is taken from the previous day’s edition.

KARACHI: “This day of Muharram is a day of great significance for Muslims all over the world. On this day took place one of the saddest and most tragic events in the history of Islam,” says Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, in his Muharram Day message. He adds: “The martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain was nevertheless the ultimate triumph of true Islamic spirit as it was an act of supreme submission to the will of God.” …

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies in Mardan,] H.E. Sahibzada Mohammad Khurshid, Governor of the Frontier Province, addressing men and officers of the 3rd Field Regiment here yesterday evening [Nov 1] called upon them to follow in the footsteps of the Islamic heroes. Quoting instances from Islamic history, when Khalid with a handful of followers defeated huge forces of enemies, he said: “The cause of their success was that they were imbued with great enthusiasm and love for Islam and had firm belief in God. Follow their example and do not hesitate to shed the last drop of your blood for the honour of Islam.”

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2024