ISLAMABAD: Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif who is under mounting pressure to change his Gulf policy has now sought to deflect public opinion by giving a call for observing a day of solidarity in support of secessionists in Jammu and Kashmir.
In what is being viewed as an unusual move February 5 was declared as a public holiday. All federal and provincial government offices banks and educational insist.
Shops industrial and commercial centers factories and private offices were asked to join Sharif’s call for a nationwide strike.
Official sources said peaceful rallies were held special programmes aired by radio and television and newspapers will publish special features highlighting the importance of the Kashmir issue
Political observers said this was the first time in recent years that a Pakistani premier had given a call for total strike.
He reiterated that Iraq must withdraw its troops from Kuwait for bringing an end to the bloody war talking to reporter’s former premier Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi said there was need for drastic changes in foreign policy.
Jatoi’s remarks came in the IJI meeting in which Sharif had warned that some people were conspiring against his government.
Defending the army chief’s views Jatoi said Gen Beg has stated the reality. He has reflected the aspirations of the people.
He said Iraq was being crushed to pieces and it was the duty of the Islamic countries to ensure that the armed might of Iraq was not totally destroyed.
Jatoi justified his decision to send troops to Saudi Arabia. He felt it was Pakistan’s moral duty to help a friend in need.
Meanwhile reports here said Benazir Bhutto would be visiting Tunis and Teheran on her way back home from a tour of the United Kingdom and the United States which started early last month.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 15, 1991
