Karachi, Sept 5. — Pakistan today released an undisclosed number of detainees in Dacca and five other East Pakistan centres under an amnesty announced by President Yahya Khan at midnight.

The announcement said the amnesty would be extended to “all those who committed or were alleged to have committed offences during the disturbances in East Pakistan between March 1 and September 5”. Those released included members of the armed forces.

Th« announcement also said: “Criminal proceedings have been initiated against certain members of the National Assembly and members of the provincial assembly of East Pakistan and certain other individuals. They are also being afforded sufficient opportunity to clear themselves of charges before the courts.”

News of the releases came as observers tried to assess the practical political effect of the amnesty. It appears not to apply to Shaikh Mujibur Rahman, the East Pakistan leader, now preparing his defence in West Pakistan on charges of “waging war against Pakistan”.

Observers believe that the amnesty is intended to include the bulk of 88 Awami League members of the National Assembly already cleared to take their seats. But the deputy leader of the Democratic Party predicted that only 20 to 30 Awami League members would in fact take their seats. Many have gone to India.

The observers agree that it would embarrass the Government to convene the Assembly in November and find the bulk of, even screened, East Pakistan members absent.

It is also believed that the amnesty may help Pakistan to persuade doubters abroad that the regime is making wholehearted efforts to erase the fear that inhibits the revival of normal life in the East—Reuter.