The partial text of president Yahya Khan’s broadcast over Pakistan radio yesterday was:

My dear countrymen greetings. Once again I am speaking, to you on grave situation facing the country. This situation has been imposed on us by our evil and ruthless neighbour, who launched a war on us. India’s wanton aggression against us is still continuing. The nation responded in a magnificent way to my call for the defence of the country.

In East Pakistan, despite heavy odds, the valour and courage with which our armed forces faced the enemy will become a golden chapter in our history. They have again recreated the great traditions of the soldiers of Islam. The enemy outnumbered us several times and, as a result of the enemy’s blockade no supplies or reinforcement could reach them either by sea or by air. Despite these severe handicaps, they went on fighting with great courage and determination against the fierce attacks of a ruthless and traitorous enemy. The enemy had greater weapons and had the support of a big power. Assisted by these factors, the enemy overcame us in East Pakistan. However, in such a great war, a setback on any one front does not at all mean that the war has come to an end. In this war ... ultimate victory, God willing, will be ours.

Our heartfelt sympathies at this time are with our brothers in East Pakistan, who are undergoing various hardships and sufferings at the hands of the Indian warmongers. We have this message alone for them : have confidence, the war continues, we will continue the fight against the enemy for the defence of our country and will meet the challenge of her aggression with the force and confidence that only Allah gives to the followers of Islam; we stand on justice and righteousness.

We are fighting for defence of our motherland for future generations. We attained independence after martyrdom by thousands, and shouldered great hardships in construction. We are standing ready to make the greatest sacrifices to meet the enemy’s challenge to the Islamic ideology of the 120 million people of Pakistan.

We will never allow the flame lit by our brave soldiers in East Pakistan with their blood to be extinguished. This flame will continue to shine brightly in the hands of every child of this and future generations. The courageous people of East Pakistan will continue the struggle with grim determination against the imperialist plan of India. Our fight is against an extremely treacherous enemy whose machinations have been exposed and who, on the basis of his numerical strength, is bent on the destruction and dismemberment of Pakistan.

In this evil goal, he is oblivious to international laws and conventions and does not even refrain from indiscriminate bombings of civilian areas, hospitals, and orphanages. The Muslims of the subcontinent have fought such moves bravely and defeated them everywhere, on the war front., and in the political fields. With Allah’s grace, and having faith in our mission and in the strength of our will, God willing, we will prevail in the future also.

We are facing an imperialist aggression which endangers not only Pakistan, but also the whole region. All countries of the world which recognise international borders, national integrity and the sovereignty of nations have supported our rights and just cause. In the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly the great majority of world opinion has supported our stand. We are grateful to all those countries who, recognising the importance of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other nations, openly supported our cause and tried their utmost to prevent further bloodshed and adopted a firm stand on the withdrawal of troops.

... I pray peace is restored soon in the country so that the people of Pakistan, who have suffered so much from the Indian aggressors, inspired by the ideals of Islam, will continue their efforts to set up a prosperous society based on justice and righteousness. If the world powers do not take immediate steps to end the present Indian aggression, then the danger in which Pakistan is engulfed now will spread rapidly all over Asia. The world has been involved in two world wars in this century. On both occasions the world powers did not take prompt steps to prevent the dismemberment smaller nations. We will never allow this to happen this time. If this happens then we will fight alone.

My dear countrymen, have faith in the objectives of. your mission. Continue the struggle with courage and determination and with the strength blessed on you by Allah. This war is such that it will be fought not only on fronts, but in fields, in factories and in homes. With faith in Allah we are ready with the answer. We have the blessings of Allah. Our hearts throb, with the cry of “Allah-o-Akbar” [The Muslim battle cry “Allah is great”]. We have faith in the ultimate triumph of Allah. Stand ready, to sacrifice yourself for our duty. Victory, God willing, will be ours. Long live Pakistan.