Address to the nation on June 27, 1972

putting behind them events of the recent past. I do not believe that talk of war trials and the ill-treatment of non-Bangalis and Bangali federalists can in any way contribute to peace in the future. Instead of moving forward, such measures lead back into the past, a past which has been only of a negative and destructive nature.

The people of Muslim Bengal are our brothers. Together we fought for our independence. Today we are estranged, but need this estrangement be permanent? This is something we have to settle with the leaders of Muslim Bengal. It concerns our two peoples. India has no locus stand in the matter. This I have repeatedly stated. It cannot be settle on the soil of India.

I hope to meet Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and then put the outcome of our discussion to the people through the elected representative in the National Assembly. In fact, there is no question of by-passing the National Assembly in any matter of fundamental national importance.

The task which lies ahead in our discussion with India is not an enviable one. But we cannot escape from it. The people of Pakistan have reposed their confidence in me and I must fulfill the duty I owe them. The unanimous vote of confidence in me passed by the National Assembly confirmed and reinforced my mandate from the people.

The crisis from end to end is not of our making. You and I warned against it. But now it is there in its fullest force for you and me to confront. I ask you to put yourself in my place. For a moment think that you are me. For I am indeed yours, in war and in peace, in distress and in joy.

Fellow citizens, ask yourself what you would do if you were in my place—further destroy Pakistan, or endeavor to make it? How would you negotiate if you were seeking to reconstruct Pakistan.

If we are determined to make Pakistan, and vindicate national honor, you will have to exercise wisdom and patience. Slogans are wonderful but in their own place. There is a time for slogans and there is a time for reflection. There is a moment for chauvinism and another for restraint.

While the people have always seen fit to place their trust in me, I too have always reposed my confidence in them and sought their guidance and inspiration. It is for this reason that before undertaking the present mission to India, I have consulted a wide cross-section of people to explain the situation and seek their views.

Some individuals have said that there was no necessity for my holding these meetings as I am armed with the mandate of the people. But I remain firmly convinced that a dialogue with the people is a continuing process. Too long they have been denied this dialogue, and we only have to look back to December to see the results.

In the last two weeks I have talked to leaders in every field, to elected representatives, politicians of every shade of opinion, Ulema, intellectuals, editors and journalists, lawyers, teachers, students and laborers. I have also met the commanders of our Armed Forces. For the first time in the history of Pakistan, representatives of all sections have been involved in matters of vital national concern at the highest level.

I have undoubtedly gained from these exchanges as I hope have those who participated in them. The consensus that has emerged will guide me during our discussions in India.

It is heartening to know that as I go to India I carry with me the prayers and support of our people. You may rest assured that I will never let you down. I have never failed you. I shall never fail you. I hold as a sacred trust the faith and confidence you have reposed in me.

Apart from the people of our country, I have also consulted our friends and neighbours abroad. As part of this process, I have also visited peking and Moscow, and recently sent a Special Envoy to these two capitals.

As you all know, my last Mission took me to 14 countries in the Middle East and Africa. This was in continuation of my earlier visit to eight Muslim countries in January.

The support that has been shown both at home and abroad will immeasurably strengthen my hands in negotiating terms of peace. Let no one doubt that these terms are still to be negotiated.

A final settlement cannot take place in the forthcoming negotiations with India. A decision on fundamental issues can only be taken by the people through their chosen representatives. I am going to hear what the Indian leaders have to say. I shall put our views to them. I hope we shall find some common ground for a lasting peace. I hope we can set the tone and the pace for a lasting modus vivendi.

Whatever proposals are made, they will remain dependent upon the will of our people. Whatever the outcome of the Simla meeting, its acceptance or rejection will not be for me alone to decide but for the whole nation, by you who are listening to me tonight.

The history of relations between India and Pakistan is indeed melancholy. It is one of missed opportunities and distrust. It has cost the people of the subcontinent. If the Indians reciprocate with sincerity, I believe, we can make a new beginning.

The search for peace is long and arduous. We cannot in one stroke wipe our past bitterness and suspicion. We cannot clear the heap of history in one heave. We have to move forward step by step. And at each step sincerity on both sides will be put to test.

We are prepared to discuss, now and later, abut all issues within the framework of principles. There have been negotiations in the past with India right from 1947. there can be negotiations in the future. Discussions in the past may have failed to resolve the issues. But so has the alternative—war. And the failure of talks, you will agree, is less costly than that of war.

It is better to talk directly than through intermediaries. With this in view, we are prepared to resume diplomatic relations with India. After all we did not break diplomatic relations in the 1965 war, and our Ambassadors continued at their posts till the conclusion of the last war.

For that matter it will be of mutual benefit if we reopen communications, letters and telegrams can be exchanged, over flights can start again. And it would no doubt be of benefit to the people of the region if a measure of trade were resumed in good time after due deliberations.

But this is anticipating. We have made many gestures to India, we have offered a hand of peace and, in token, the unconditional release of the Indian prisoners of war in our custody. Surely, it is now up to India to demonstrate her desire for peace in deeds rather than words. But so far India has not made a single constructive gesture to herald a new era in our relations.

We desire peace but not at any price. We desire peace but not at the expense of our principles and honor. Let no one doubt this axiomatic proposition. I repeat we seek a just and honorable peace, a peace at the service of our people.

We have a difficult task ahead, a task made all the more difficult by certain forces at work in Pakistan. It is not coincidence that just before my departure, labor and language troubles should erupt in Sindh. And what has made those individuals who were calling in January for the immediate recognition of ‘Bangladesh’ say in June that in no event should recognition be accorded? Who is trying to create dissension in the reborn unity of the nation?

They are not patriots. They are not friends of Pakistan. They are not friends of our people. They merely pose as patriots and friends of the poor. In truth, they are enemies of the people. They have plans afoot to make trouble during my absence and after my return. But you and your Government will not allow these anti-people elements to success in their nefarious aims. We will crush them with the power of the people. We will not permit anyone or anything to play with our Pakistan, Insha Allah. Nothing can stop us from together building a new and vigorous Pakistan. Nothing can stop us from keeping our appointment with destiny.

The challenge is there both for you and for me. Shall we grasp this moment or shall we let it pass? I declare to this new generation of Pakistan that with your trust and confidence in my judgment, we shall cross the broken bridges and reach the mountain tops.

I beseech you in the name of Allah and in the name of Pakistan, to give me your prayers and your good wishes. With your support I cannot fail.

Pakistan Zindabad.