LAHORE: The Minister for Provincial Co-ordination, Mr. Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, today [Feb 14] said the administrative action taken by the Government in dissolving the National Awami Party was not arbitrary or out of rancour and acrimony it was strictly in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution. The Government would adhere to the relevant constitutional provisions and refer within the next 4 days the declaration to the highest judicial authority the Supreme Court which alone was competent to uphold or reject the Government action, he added.

Addressing a Press conference this evening he said the Government action regarding the arrest of NAP leaders and office-bearers was also subject to judicial scrutiny. These detentions followed the tragic and cruel incident that led to the assassination of Mr Hayat Mohammad Khan Sherpao. He maintained that the murder of other political leaders was also condemnable, but the assassination of Mr Sherpao was different in the sense that Mr Sherpao stood like a rock between the integrity of Pakistan and its enemies. Staff correspondent