From our own correspondent
Karachi March 10

Reports from Rawalpindi, the interim capital of Pakistan, suggest that President Yahya khan might try to resolve the present constitutional crisis which threatens to split the country in two by asking the rival leaders of the Eastern and Western Provinces to form a national Government.

It is understood that the suggestion was mooted by senior political advisers to the Government in Rawalpindi, who believe that the new plan to end the stalemate would save President Yahya's face and comply with East Pakistan's demands for the withdrawal of martial law and the transfer of power to elected representatives.

These were the conditions laid down by Shaikh Mujibur Rahman, the East Pakistani leader, as being essential before he would enter into any constitutional discussions with the West.

[Mr. Bhutto sent a cable to Shaikh Mujibur late tonight saying that he was ready to resume talks, Reuter reported from Karachi. He appealed to the Shaikh "not to let the people say nor history record that we failed them".]

Significantly, the call for a national Government was first made public y esterday by the Government-owned Pakistan Times in a long leading article, written by Mr. Z.A. Suleri, the editor, who is used invariably by the authorities to test public opinion.

It is highly doubtful, however whether Shaikh Mujibur will enter a coalition Government with Mr. Bhutto and the President.