TRANSCRIPT: SEQ 2: KHAN: "Against this background and in view of the present circumstances. I find that there is no other alternative for me but to have a Constitution prepared, by a group of experts. This Constitution will be subject to amendments by the national assembly on the basis of the many procedures, as will be laid down in the Constitution itself. The Constitution will be based on a careful study of a number of Constitutions, and also based on the aspirations of the people. of various religious in Pakistan, as assessed by me for the last two years. I have already set up the Constitutional committee, and a draft is being prepared by them. Once the draft is ready, I will consult various leaders of the Assembly, regarding the provisions of the draft. The final shape will be given to the Constitution in the light of my discussion with various experts and leaders. Appreciating the situation as it is today, and as it is likely to develop in the near future, it is my hope and belief that I would be able to achieve my goal in a matter of four months or so".




Initials SGM31825/SGM/1831



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: President Yahya Khan of Pakistan announced in a nation-wide broadcast on June 28th that he had appointed a special committee to draw up a Constitution by which the country could return to civilian rule. This official film shows the President making the broadcast.

The President re-affirmed his intention to transfer power to representatives of the people even after the recent events in East Pakistan. He said he hoped the process could begin in four months.

He held out no hope however for the East Pakistan Awami League, which won all but two of the seats in the December East Pakistan elections. The League is still to be banned, but members of the National and Provincial Assemblies who are members of the League could still retain their seats as individuals, if they had not taken part in what he called the 'secessionist activities' which began last March.

The following is part of President Yahya's broadcast on the plan or a new Construction: