DACCA: “The people of Pakistan want peace but they will consider no sacrifice too great to defend Pakistan’s integrity,” declared Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, addressing a public meeting this afternoon [March 21] at Jessore, where the influx of Muslim refugees from West Bengal had been fairly heavy. During the last two and a half years of existence, he continued, Pakistan had gathered enough strength to meet any such threat. They had full faith in God and had no doubt about their future.

He congratulated the people of Jessore for maintaining peace in spite of happenings across the border. Their conduct despite the disturbing situation, had been in conformity with the highest teachings of Islam, which enjoined a just and generous treatment of the minorities, he said.

The Prime Minister referred to the cry of war by the irresponsible political leaders, deplored attempts by a section of Bharati Press who fanned fire and remarked that they did not seem to realise the horrors of war. Earlier at Jessore, the Prime Minster received a number of deputations from Muhajireen and minorities.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2025