DINAJPORE: Addressing a public meeting here this afternoon [Oct 20] Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, urged the people of East Pakistan to join the defence Services in … large numbers. Regretting that “From East Pakistan there has not been adequate response”, he said that they should no longer suffer from any complex that they are not a fighting race — as had been sedulously inculcated during the previous regime. The people of Bengal had demonstrated their valour … in the past, and was evident from historical records, he said.

Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, reiterated that the Muhajireen should be given every help and facility in rehabilitating themselves in Pakistan. He urged the people … to bear in mind that the achievement of Pakistan would not have been made possible without the sacrifices made by them … which … were much greater than those of the people who lived in the territory, now Pakistan.

Muslims, who were now left out of Pakis­tan, knew … that the achievement … would not benefit them materially. It was only the Islamic spirit and brotherhood of the entire community that had made such a tremendous sacrifice possible.

Published in Dawn, October 22th, 2024