LIAQUATPUR: The Prime Minister, Mr Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, gave an assurance to the largely attended public meeting here today [Nov 10] that no foreign Power would interfere in the internal affairs of Pakistan and even Indian Government could not do so. … The present Government … was working to strengthen the foundations of Pakistan.

While explaining the reasons why he had to form the People’s Party Mr Bhutto said he had formed a new party after a thorough consideration because at that time, there was no revolutionary party in the country. The Muslim League had been divided into three factions. He could not join the Republican party or any reactionary party. There was also no question of joining the National Awami Party.

Premier Bhutto said there was no question of joining the Congress which was now NAP, and had always worked against the interest of Pakistan. These Congressites had opposed the Muslim League and the Quaid-i-Azam tooth and nail. He said these people before the creation of Pakistan had raised the slogan of Akhund Bharat, after the formation of Pakistan they changed their name and worked in the garb of [NAP]… . — News agencies

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2024