Pakistan Affairs, Special Issue

Recent happenings in East Pakistan have caused anguish to all of us. For me personally these tragic events have been a cause of distress and disappointment. Throughout these last two and a quarter years my aim has been to bring back democracy in the country and to ensure justice for every region of Pakistan. In particular I have been conscious of the legitimate demands of East Pakistanis. Many steps have been taken and planned towards meeting them. I have every reason to believe that my scheme to revive the democratic way of life was fully supported by the people and their political leaders in both wings of the country. They all took part in the elections on the basis of the Legal Framework Order of 1970 which provided for maximum autonomy to the provinces within the concept of one Pakistan and adequate strength to the centre to carry out its functions.

The defunct Awami League also participated in the elections on the basis of the Legal Framework Order and therefore at that time it was felt that they too subscribed to the concept of one Pakistan. However later their leadership gradually moved away from the principles of the Legal Framework Order and based their electioneering on hatred of West Pakistan and tried to cause tension and misunderstanding between the two wings.

SIX POINTS WERE NEGOTIABLE

When I questioned Mujibur Rahman on the Awami League's six points during some of our talks he confirmed to me that these were negotiable. He also clearly indicated that all major provisions of the constitution would be settled by political parties in parleys outside the Assembly. This lobbying he affirmed was usual practice with politicians. After elections when I wanted the parties to get together and come to some consensus on the future constitution of Pakistan it became quite clear that Mujibur Rahman was not going to budge from his position which to put it bluntly was tantamount to secession. Another indication of his evil design is the fact that he refused to visit West Pakistan and have talks in this wing despite repeated invitations. He had no intention Of acting in a responsible and patriotic manner as leader of the majority party in the country as a whole. He had already made up his mind that he was going to break the country in two preferably by trickery and if this did not succeed by physical violence. As I told you in my address of the Seth of March I had a series of meetings with Mujibur Rahman and his advisers during my stay in Dacca from the 15th of March onwards. Whilst he was having these talks with us he and his followers were secretly preparing for a final break through physical violence. Towards the concluding sessions of the talks it became quite evident that the intention of Mujibur Rahman and his advisers was not to come to an understanding on the basis of one Pakistan but was somehow to extract from me a proclamation which would in effect divide the National Assembly into two separate constituent assemblies give birth to a confederation and by removal of the authority of martial law create complete chaos in the country. Through this plan he expected to establish a separate state of Bangla Desh. That needless to say would have been the end of Pakistan as created by the Father of the Nation. Unscrupulous and secessionist elements of the defunct Awami League had brought the country to the brink of disintegration. Our dear homeland which symbolises fulfillment of our aspirations and the culmination of the relentless struggle of the Muslims of the subcontinent was in very grave danger of breaking up. The violent noncooperation movement of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his clique for over three weeks had let loose elements which at once indulged in widespread loot arson and killing.

VOTE WAS FOR PROVINCIAL AUTONOMY AND NOT INDEPENDENCE

The people of East Pakistan had voted for provincial autonomy and not for the disintegration of the country. Instead of setting controversial political and constitutional issues with mutual understanding and in a spirit of give and take for the sake of national solidarity some of the leading elements of the defunct Awami League chose a path of defiance disruption and secession. All my efforts to help the political parties to arrive at a consensus over an acceptable and lasting constitutional framework were frustrated by certain leaders of the defunct Awami League. On the one hand they brought negotiations to an impasse by their persistent intransigence and obduracy and on the other intensified their nefarious activities of open defiance of the Government. The very existence of the country for the creation of which thousands of our brethren laid down their lives and millions suffered untold miseries was at stake. It was in these circumstances that I ordered the armed forces to restore the authority of the Government. No Government worth its name could allow the country to be destroyed by open and armed rebellion against the state.

The valiant armed forces of Pakistan who have always served the nation with devotion moved out with firm determination to put an end to the activities of the miscreants. They had a difficult task to perform. It is unfortunate that our neighbour which has never missed an opportunity to weaken or cripple our country rushed to help the secessionists with men and material to inflame the situation further. This was all preplanned. As our troops moved forward and fanned out the whole dark plan of collusion between the Awami League extremists, rebels and our hostile neighbour gradually unfolded itself. It became obvious that secessionists miscreants rebels and intruders from across the border had planned their whole operation carefully and over a considerable period of time. Their aim was to destroy the integrity of Pakistan and force the eastern zone to secede from the rest of the country. While miscreants rebels and intruders were putting up physical resistance to the Pakistan army the Indian radio and press launched a malicious campaign of falsehood against Pakistan and tried to mislead the world about happenings in East Pakistan. The Indian Government began to utilise every coercive measure including diplomatic offensives armed infiltration and actual threats of invasion. This open interference in our internal affairs could have had very grave consequences but by the grace of God our armed forces soon brought the situation under control destroying the anti-national elements. The nation is proud of the armed forces who deserve all Its admiration and appreciation. Let us on this occasion bow our heads in gratitude to the Almighty that our country has been saved from disintegration.

NO FRESH ELECTIONS

In my last address to the nation I had t assured you that my main aim remained the transfer of power and I had further stated that I would take fresh steps towards the achievement of this aim. Let me at the out set say categorically that there is no question of holding fresh elections. The mischief of some misguided persons should not be al lowed to nullify the entire results of the first-ever-election held in the country at enormous cost in terms of money time and energy. I have banned the Awami League as a political party. However members-elect of the National Assembly and the Provincial Assemblies of this defunct party retain their status as such in their individual capacities. I may however add that those elected members who have taken part in anti-state activities or have committed criminal acts or have indulged in anti-social activities will be disqualified from membership of the National and Provincial Assemblies. I have not yet finally assessed the exact number of those who would be disqualified.. After thorough investigation a list of such persons will be published. Once this is done vacancies caused would be filled through the usual method of by-elections.

In the meanwhile I would ask those members of the National Assembly and members of the Provincial Assembly elect of the defunct Awami League who had nothing to do with the secessionist policies of the ruling clique of that party and who are not guilty of any criminal acts in pursuance Of such policies or who have not committed atrocities against their fellow Pakistanis to come forward and play their part in rebuilding the political structure in East Pakistan.

After a close and careful study of the situation particularly of recent happenings I have come to the conclusion that the task of framing a constitution by an assembly is not feasible. In fact the history of constitution making in our country is not a very encouraging nor a happy one. Two constituent assemblies took nine years to produce a constitution (that is from 1947 to 1956) . Leaders of the country spent an inordinately long period of time on the floor of the legislature in trying to produce a constitution while urgent social and economic problems remained unattended and neglected. But the most regrettable phenomenon of constitution-making in Pakistan was that it gave vent to all sorts of regional and parochial sentiments. In fact constitution-making gave rise to the worst type of political bickering and intrigue which threatened the very existence of our country. And when in the end they at last produced a constitution in 1956 it was the product of all sorts of conflicting compromises and expediencies. The result was that the constitution was short lived and the country came under martial law from October 1958 to June 1962. After that the country was governed under a constitution which for well known reasons was unpopular right from the start. There was great resentment and a political upheaval in 1969 against this constitution. I therefore thought that the people's representatives should frame a constitution of their own but in order to eliminate the unhappy aspects of the previous attempts at constitution-making in Pakistan I put a limit Of one hundred and twenty days for this exercise. And I also laid down some base principles for the constitution in my Legal Framework Order. When I fixed the time limit of one hundred and twenty days it was done in consultation with political leaders including Mujibur Rahman and it was expected that they would devote their full attention to the framing of the constitution and that general agreement on the broad aspects of the constitution and that general agreement on the broad aspects of the constitution would be arrived at outside the assembly so as to facilitate the task of constitution-making within the stipulated period. But unfortunately my hopes and plans were frustrated by the uncompromising and unpatriotic attitude of the defunct Awami League.

GROUP OF EXPERTS TO DRAFT NEW CONSTITUTION

Against this background and in view of present circumstances I find that there is no other alternative for me but to have the constitution prepared by a group of experts. This constitution will be subject to amendments by the National Assembly on the basis of an amending procedure as will be laid down in the constitution itself. The constitution will be based on a careful study of a number of constitutions and will be based also on the aspirations of the people of various regions of Pakistan as assessed by me over the last two years. I have already set up a constitution committee and a draft is being prepared by them. Once a draft is ready I will consult various leaders of the assembly regarding the provisions of the draft. Final shape will be given to the constitution in the light of my discussions and consultations with various experts and leaders.

I may add that certain guidelines with regard to the future constitution have already been spelled out in the Legal Framework Order of 1970 which were generally welcomed by the people. First the constitution of Pakistan must be based on Islamic ideology, on the basis of which Pakistan was created and on the basis of which it is still preserved. It must be the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in a true sense. The constitution shall also provide for full social and economic justice to various sections of our society. The constitution should be a federal one and it must have all its characteristics. As stated in the Legal Framework Order the provinces shall have maximum autonomy including legislative administrative and financial powers but the federal government shall also have adequate powers including legislative administrative and financial powers to discharge its responsibilities in relation to external and internal affairs and to preserve the independence and territorial integrity of the country.

BY-ELECTIONS TO BE HELD FOR A FEW SEATS DECLARED VACANT

I have also indicated to the committee that in the interest of the integrity of the country it would be a good thing if we ban any party which is confined to a specific region and is not national in a practical sense. Then again we must eschew this business of having two three or four subparties within a party. In short it is my hope that this constitution will ensure that everything which tends to make our political life cumbersome shaky insecure and unpatriotic is eradicated and that it helps to infuse a right spirit in the people and the politicians. The constitution must serve Pakistan as a whole and not any individual or group. It must allow each province to develop itself along the right lines without detracting in any way from the strength of the centre and the integrity of the nation as a whole. I might clarify here that this constitution will come into force with effect from the first session of the National Assembly. By-elections to be held before this will however be on the same basis as the general elections already held namely the Legal Framework Order of 1970.

So much for the future constitution of Pakistan. Now to continue with my plan of transfer of power. As I said earlier by-elections will be held to fill vacant seats in the National as well as in the Provincial Assemblies. Considering the mood of the people I feel sure that the campaign for these by-electlons will be based on the principles contained in the Legal Framework Order. No one will tolerate propagation of views which tend to militate against the integrity of Pakistan. I also feel that the campaign should be a brief one. After these elections are completed the National and Provincial Assemblies will be duly summoned and governments will be formed at the national as well as the provincial levels throughout the country. The National Assembly will not have to function as a constituent assembly but will become our central legislature as soon as it is sworn in.

Since the nation has recently been subjected to a very severe jolt I have decided that the national and provincial governments will have at their disposal the cover of martial law for a period of time. In actual practice martial law will not be operative in its present form but we cannot allow chaos in any part of the country and the hands of the governments need to be strengthened until things settle down. In order to meet the requirements of this new plan the Legal Framework Order of 1970 will be duly amended

THE TIME-FRAME OF THE PLAN

Let me now say a word about the time-frame of this plan. It is obvious that the plan in its entirety cannot be launched immediately because it is important that a reasonable amount of normalcy returns to the country before we think in terms of transferring power. But on the other hand the launching of the plan must not be delayed unduly. When we speak of normalcy the main considerations are restoration of law and order rehabilitation of the administrative structure which was badly disrupted and a degree of economic rehabilitation. As regards law and order I am glad to be able to tell you that the army is in full control of the situation in East Pakistan. It has crushed the mischief mongers saboteurs and infiltrators. But it will take some time before the law and order situation becomes completely normal. The process is in full swing with the active cooperation of the people and their patriotic leaders. The people of East Pakistan have manifested a great sense of patriotism and national unity in helping the armed forces to root out miscreants and infiltrators. As a result of the noncooperation movement the economy of East Pakistan had come to a standstill. Widespread arson loot and intimidation resorted to by the Awami League secessionists antisocial elements and infiltrators brought untold sufferings to innocent people. A large number of them were terrorised and uprooted and their properties were mercilessly destroyed. They have my fullest sympathy as also the sympathy of the entire nation. It would be inhuman if their speedy rehabilitation is not given priority and the attention it deserves. I would like to repeat once again that all citizens of Pakistan of any religion caste or creed who crossed the border and went into India because of the panic due to false propaganda by the rebels miscreants and others must return to their homes and hearths. The Government of East Pakistan have made all necessary arrangements for their reception and transportation. I would ask the Indian Government not to put impediments in the way of these unfortunate people who want to resume their normal lives in their own homes and who want to be re-united with their near and dear ones. We shall gladly and gratefully accept any assistance that the United Nations can extend in facilitating the move Or these displaced persons back to Pakistan.

PARTICIPATION OF THE PEOPLE

I have heard a view being expressed that power should not be transferred to elected representatives of the people until complete normalcy has returned in every sphere. I am afraid I do not agree with this view because it is utterly unrealistic and impractical. It also ignores one very important aspect of national life which is that normalcy in its accepted meaning can never return to a country without full participation of the people in its administration. The very process of bringing back normalcy requires the active interest of people in the process and this can only happen when the representatives of the people assume responsibility for administration of the country.

TRANSFER OF POWER IN ABOUT FOUR MONTHS

I firmly believe that as soon as we have acquired a baste infrastructure of law and order and the various echelons of the administration gather full strength it will be possible for me to put my plan of transfer of power into operation. Appreciating the situation as it exists today and as it is likely to develop in the near future it is my hope and belief that I would be able to achieve my goal in a matter of four months or so. The precise timing will naturally depend on the internal and external situation at the time. I am absolutely convinced that the country s integrity and well being lie in fulfillment of the plan that I have just outlined to you and in the achievement of the final objective. Let me now turn to the vital subject of the economy. Recent events have cast their shadow on the general economic situation. The economy had been subjected to serious strains during a long period of political uncertainty before and after the elections. In March the economy of East Pakistan was brought to a virtual standstill.

With the success of army action the situation is generally returning to normal and economic activity is reviving in the province. I am sure that all patriotic elements in the province would rally round the forces of law and order to achieve complete normalcy and to restart the process of building up the economy of Pakistan.

The rehabilitation of the economy will demand both short-term measures and long-term strategy to rehabilitate it and revive it to its full vigour. For this purpose we have taken many initiatives which will soon begin to produce the results we desire.

Our exports have sharply declined in recent months in East Pakistan causing a drain on our foreign exchange reserves which were already under severe strain. Collection of taxes has also suffered at a time when we need all the resources at our command to preserve our national integrity and maintain the tempo of economic activity.

The government is taking various steps to meet the present difficult economic situation. These are not always pleasant decisions. We have to use our resources with much greater restraint. This involves hardship and sacrifices. But there is no alternative. This is the only realistic way for a nation to solve its economic problems.

Some weeks ago I ordered a thorough revision of our import policy. All unessential items or those without which we could do for some time were banned even under the bonus scheme. Bonus vouchers thus released are to be used under the revised import policy for raw materials and other essential imports.

MAXIMUM ECONOMY AND AUSTERITY

In domestic spending also maximum economy is being exercised. For the next year we have prepared a modest development programme which would meet our immediate and unavoidable needs The emphasis would be on rehabilitation of the economy particularly in East Pakistan.

I want the country to make early progress towards self- reliance. We must look increasingly towards our own resources for meeting our national objectives. This requires maximum austerity in both public and private spending. The Government is making all necessary adjustments in economic policies with this objective. But these can succeed only with the enthusiastic support of the people. Let us as a nation adopt a more austere way of life suited to our own stage of economic development and eschew every form of ostentatious consumption.

For many years now we have been receiving aid for our development programme from a number of aid-giving countries. This we thankfully acknowledge. I regret to have to say however that lately there have been indications that foreign aid is acquiring certain political overtones and the people of Pakistan are getting the impression that strings are sought to be attached to such aid. If this be the case let me say it quite categorically that aid which seeks to make in- roads into our sovereignty is not acceptable to us. We shall be fully prepared to do without lt.

I am confident that the private sector would come forward to play an active role in developing Pakistan s own resources. Private investment financed from its own savings can play a major role in reviving the economy at this stage.

This is an hour of crisis for the nation. We need the same determination and resolute will which we showed on a number of previous occasions to safeguard the integrity of Pakistan against internal upheavals and external aggression. Each one of us has a duty to work hard and to rebuild the momentum of economic activity. This is necessary to generate resources for economic development. Each worker in a factory and peasant on his farm can contribute to this national effort by taking part in the overall effort to maximise production and make his contribution to the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan.

MAXIMISE PRODUCTION AND EXPORTS

Let us resolve today individually and collectively to maximise production and exports. We must work hard and learn to reduce our dependence on others in every field in the shortest possible time. Any sacrifice which this will entail must be borne with patriotic fervour and national solidarity.

I appeal to both labour and management to maintain the best of relations. Let there be understanding and accommodation rather than bickering and strife. Strikes and lockouts should be avoided at all costs Such wastage of the country s productive capacity would be totally unpatriotic at this critical juncture in our national life. I cannot afford to let such unpatriotic activities go unchallenged. stringent measures shall be taken to curb such tendencies.

Our agriculturists have done a remarkable job in recent years. Food production has increased rapidly since 1965 bringing the country to the threshold of food self- sufficiency. Let them consolidate and improve on their performance in food-grains and at the same time turn their attention to the production of export crops which present great opportunities for increased output. Government would be willing to provide all the necessary facilities and incentives for this purpose.

I have candidly presented before you difficulties we face today. But let this not give rise to despondency. A large part of the problem we face today is of a temporary nature. It has not affected the basic strength of the economy. We have a large potential for increasing production both in agriculture and industry. We have today a sizable class of progressive agriculturalists industrial entrepreneurs and middle class investors.

These are assets on which the foundation of a rapidly developing economy are laid. The nation has faced a difficult challenge before in its short history. I have no doubt that eve would be able to overcome the present difficulties with our united efforts and resume our endeavour to build for a prosperous and just society.

FOREIGN REACTIONS

Now a word about foreign reactions to our internal trouble. It is a matter of satisfaction that in the difficult situation that the country has faced in the past few months reaction and response from an overwhelming number of countries has been one of sympathy and understanding of the problem we are facing and are trying to resolve. Our friends abroad have given complete support to action taken by the government to maintain the unity and integrity of Pakistan. They have at the same time warned those who have attempted to interfere in our internal affairs to desist from such actions. I should like to take this opportunity to express, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, our appreciation and gratitude to them.

We are also heartened by the favorable response of the international community, particularly the United Nations Organisation and its agencies, to our need for cooperative assistance in repairing the damage to the economic life of East Pakistan. At present, we are engaged in consultations with friendly governments and with the U.N. Secretary-General for securing the necessary help for relief work in different fields.

Our plans for reconstruction of the economy and an early resumption of political activity in East Pakistan are threatened by India's continued interference in our internal affairs. Armed infiltration and open encouragement and assistance to secessionists have heightened tension between the two countries. There has also been a spate of unfriendly statements from responsible sources in India, threatening unilateral action against Pakistan if we did not yield to arbitrary demands. The need of the hour is to desist from such actions and statements as would further inflame the situation. It is through discussions and not through conflict that problems can be resolved. Statesmanship demands exercise of caution and restraint so that our problems are not further complicated.

WE WANT TO LIVE IN PEACE

AS I have said before, armed conflict would solve nothing. On our part, we want to live in peace and harmony with all our neighbours. We do not interfere in the affairs of other people, and we will not allow anyone else to interfere in ours. If, however, a situation is forced upon us, we are fully prepared to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Let there be no misunderstanding or miscalculation about our resolve to maintain the independence and solidarity of Pakistan.

My dear countrymen, in the end I would again like to impress upon you that this is an hour of trial for the nation. Each one of us has to do his utmost honestly and sincerely so that our homeland, which is so dear to us, continues its march on the path of progress. No sacrifice would be too great to bring back economic stability and to ensure the unity of Pakistan. What we need to meet this challenge is a revival of the spirit and enthusiasm with which we succeeded in establishing Pakistan, and firm determination and resolute will which we have on many occasions shown in defending our country from internal and external threats.

Our enemies are gloating on false hopes of disunity amongst our ranks. They have tried their level best to undo our dear country, but they forget that they are dealing with a people who have an unshakable reliance on the help of almighty God. Let us rise to the occasion, let us come up to the expectations of the Father of the Nation and once again prove it to our enemies that we are a united nation, always ready to frustrate their designs and foil their evil intentions, and that any effort to harm us will spell their own disaster.

I have full faith in the patriotism of our people and I am sure that every single Pakistani will cooperate with me wholeheartedly in the achievement of our common goal, namely, the restoration of democracy in the country, preservation of its integrity and solidarity and betterment of the lot of the common man. May God grant us success in our efforts. God bless you all.