SHOREKOT: Pakistan wanted peace but should anyone launch aggression, she will give a befitting answer, Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto declared here today [Nov 18]. Addressing a … parade held at the PAF base Rafiqui … the Prime Minister reiterated his Government’s policy of strengthening the country’s defence alongside its endeavour to bring about socio-economic progress … and said we want to have … peaceful co-existence with India and Afghanistan, without jeopardising our interests and rights. …

Stating that “past is past”, the Prime Minister said that … if Pakistan was subject to aggression in future, she would emerge victorious. “We shall inflict such a defeat on the enemy that it will not dare to do so again,” he said. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan had to remain alert in view of its neighbours’ activities and attitude during the past 25 years. Three wars had been thrust upon Pakistan, and one of her wings had been separated… . The enemy was still engaged in activities to further harm Pakistan, he said. He said that Pakistan wanted peace in this region. … The Simla accord was indication of Pakistan’s desire to ensure peace.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2024