LAHORE: The Shahinshah of Iran today [March 11] paid handsome tributes to the Pakistani nation, saying that it could be `parishan hal` (in distress) but never be `darmand` (dejected).

Quoting an ancient Persian couplet which says `dost an bashad ki gird daste dost, dar parishan hali-o-darmand gi,` the Shah told a cheering luncheon gathering that `darmand` was a word which carried no meaning or sense for a nation like the Pakistanis because `you want to live and you want to continue the heritage of your forefathers`.

`Even faced by trials, you will never give up your struggle because it is the struggle in the cause of justice and dignity of the human being, he declared.

`I believe no one was surprised or should have been surprised if we were able in our own humble way to show to you our real sentiments during your trial of the September days,` he said.

He added: `We have seen your will and determination to remain independent. What else we can ask and wish for a country except that it should possess blessings of the God Almighty and continue to march ahead with its goals and programmes in order to catch up with the march of time and civilisation.` Correspondent [Meanwhile, as reported by agencies in Lahore,] President Ayub Khan has suggested that the houses being built for the war-sufferers in Sialkot and Lahore districts should also provide shelter against rain and windstorms.

He made the suggestion when, accompanying the Shah and Empress of Iran, he saw the house of a model village at the `Better Homes Exhibition` here [March 11].

The President was of the view that there should be further projection of the roof of the two-room model house in order to save the inhabitants from rain and windstorms.