The text of the statement of President Yahya Khan’s of Pakistan ordering a cease-fire in the west, as broadcast yesterday by Radio Pakistan, was as follows:

I have always stated that war never solves problems. Therefore, there must be talks between India and Pakistan to solve all outstanding problems. For this reason Pakistan has accepted the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly. If the other side had also accepted these, there would not have been this deplorable situation. Pakistan accepted the three Resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly calling for cease-fire, the returning of the army to its own frontiers and a political solution to the East Pakistan problem.

One hundred and four countries supported these proposals accepted by the General Assembly, and the world expected India to accept them in the interests of bringing about peace. But it is unfortunate that India completely ignored world opinion. Otherwise there would not have been so much bloodshed, and people would not have suffered so much. Now that India has suggested a cease-fire on the western front, Pakistan has agreed to a cease-fire and to make all relevant arrangements for this, in accordance with the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, and Pakistan’s commitment to respond to any call made on it within framework of these resolutions.

If India really wants this cease-fire, then she will make all the relevant arrangements through the United Nations. Due to the preceding events and to bring about peace I have accepted the proposal of India and have commanded my armed forces to cease fire at 7.30 pm West Pakistan time and 8.30 pm East Pakistan time today.