Address at the Quetta airport on May 17, 1972

Addressing a big crowd at the Quetta airport soon after his arrival from Larkana, the President said democracy can grow only if the people make zealous efforts for their economic well-being and protect the democratic principles.

The president said that he was an ardent believer in democracy and would do everything to promote and put into practice democratic traditions. It was in this spirit that parties other than the People’s Party were associated with the Government. His party believed in principles and had great faith in democracy.

Recalling his past visit to Quetta four months ago, the president said that the political climate then was different. The country was under Martial Law and he had pledged to remove it, but some people said that the promise would not be fulfilled.

He also alluded to the apprehensions which were raised before his taking over as President and said that he would do justice to all without any discrimination.

The president urged the people to be disciplined and work hard to improve their standard of living. He said that the present Government was working round the clock for bettering the lot of the common man and bringing prosperity to the people. The Government, however, should be given some time in order to clear the mess left by the past regimes.