RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Dec. 17 (Reuters)—Following is the official text of the statement issued by President Agha Mohammad Yahya Khan today ordering a ceasefire in the West:

I have always maintained that war solves no problems and that there should be negotiations between India and Pakistan to resolve outstanding disputes.

In pursuance of this stand, Pakistan has accepted several proposals made by the United Nations General Assembly and by friendly countries which could have averted the present situation between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan has also accepted the three resolutions of the Security Council as well as the General Assembly resolution calling for cease‐fire, withdrawal of armed forces to their respective borders and a political solution of the problems facing East Pakistan.

The General Assembly resolution had the overwhelming support of 104 member nations of the international community and the world expected India to respond to it in the interest of peace.

It is unfortunate that India should totally disregard all these urgent expressions of world opinion which would have spared bloodshed and suffering.

Now India has made an offer of cease‐fire on the western front.

Pakistan is already committed to cease‐fire, along with other consequential steps, through its acceptance of the United Nations General Assembly resolution and is willing to reciprocate within the framework of that resolution.

If India is sincere in its pronouncement of cease‐fire, then she should proceed through the United Nations to formalize it.

In keeping with the foregoing and in the interest of peace, I have responded to the Indian offer and ordered my forces also to cease fire on Friday with effect from 14:30 hours G.M.T.