Mr. Nurul Amin, President of the Pakistan Democratic Party, said in a statement that he was stunned at the sudden announcement of the postponement of the sitting of the National Assembly indefinitely
(Dawn, Karachi, March, 2, 1971.)
Mr. Ali Ahad, General secretary, Bengal National League (Ahad Group), in a Statement said: ‘The dramatic announcement of the postponement of the National Assembly session is a prelude to sabotaging the restoration of the sovereignty of the people and the transfer of power to the representatives of the people.
(Dawn, Karachi, March, 1, 1871.)
Air Marshal (Retd.) Nur Khan has accused certain advisers of the President and some bureaucrats of having asked certain political parties not to attend the National Assembly session. Bureaucracy has ruled the country. It is afraid of people’s rule. So the word ‘democratic government’ sounds like death knell to the bureaucrats. They found Mr. Bhutto as a tool to serve them. Mr. Bhutto has a singular ambition of coming into power. The bureaucrats found in him a sycophant who was prepared to see the country disintegrated, so that he could hold his away over the west wing all alone.
(Jasarat, Karachi, March 7, 1971.)
Prominent intellectuals, journalists, political, social, cultural and trade union and student body workers have called for an immediate transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people.
In a joint statement, they expressed grave concern over the political situation obtaining in Pakistan.
They felt that by remaining peaceful the East Pakistan people had given practical proof of the fact that they stood for national solidarity and integrity like their compatriots from the west wing.
(Dawn, Karachi, March 10, 1971.)
Main Mumtaz Mohammad Khan Daultana, Chief of the Council Muslim League, has observed that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s demands are quite reasonable and should be accepted to end present political crisis in Pakistan.
(Dawn, Karachi, March 14, 1971.)
Malik Hamid Sarfraz, General Secretary of the Punjab Awami League has said that Mr. Z.A. Bhutto has created an unhealthy atmosphere in the country’s politics as he apprehended his inability to fulfill his promises to the people. He has also said that the administration in the eastern wing is running under the orders of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and if at all he had any inclination towards separation he could have carried it out easily. But it has become crystal clear that it is Mr. Bhutto and not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who thought of secession.
(Dawn, Karachi, March, 17, 1971.)
