KARACHI: Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan told the Pakistan Parliament on Friday [Dec 23] that the policy of the Pakistan Government vis-a-vis the acceding states was to press for the introduction of democratic form of Government as quickly as possible. In an oral reply to Mr M. H. Gazdar, Mr [Khan] said that consequent upon the introduction of the political reforms in Bahawalpur and Khairpur states the rulers of these states had now assumed the position of constitutional rulers.

The conditions in the Baluchistan and Frontier States, however, were such as would require special treatment, he maintained. “In the case of these states the rulers are being encouraged to assimilate the administration of their states with that of the neighbouring provinces”. He assured the House that the question of improving the administration of other states and conditions of their people was receiving the active consideration of the rulers.

The Prime Minister said that there was no basis in the reported allegations of “inhuman atrocities perpetrated in Amb and Phulera states” on the states people.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2024