KARACHI: History was made yesterday [Feb 28] when the nation observed a hartal participated alike by the ‘panwala’ and earth-digger to the top men in the country, completely paralysing all sectors of daily life. In response to a call by Prime Minister, Mr Z.A. Bhutto, Pakistanis and Kashmiris all over the world displayed exemplary solidarity and faith in the right of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and condemned the recent Indira-Abdullah deal. In spite of the cancellation of programmes for rallies and public meetings, processions and corner meetings were held in which thousands of people took part and passed resolutions. In all mosques, Ulema and Khatibs delivered Khutbas and offered special prayers.

[News agencies add from Larkana,] [Mr] Bhutto … expressed his heartfelt thanks to all Pakistanis at home and abroad for remarkable demonstration of faith and national unity on the occasion of the strike. … In a statement the [PM] said: “By making the strike a total and unblemished success, they have shown that, whatever be the nation’s problems … their hearts beat in unison and they will rally behind their Government when faced with issues of the nation’s destiny.”

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2025