RAJSHAHI: While Pakistan wanted to promote friendly relations with its neighbours it did not mean that it would sacrifice its vital interests or compromise its freedom, declared Khwaja Nazimuddin here today [Jan 15].

`We are a peaceful nation committed to international co-operation,` the GovernorGeneral added. He was replying to an address of welcome presented by the people of Rajshahi. The address had ... pointed out the need for adequate defences for East Pakistan, improved communications and speedy industrialisation. News agencies [Meanwhile,] more than a third of Karachi city ate and slept in darkness last night [Jan 15] while the Electric Supply Corporation`s technicians were ... trying to repair the steam station switch... . When Dawn telephoned an official of the Electric Supply Corporation at 1-45 this morning, it was learnt that it would not be possible to restore the supply to the affected areas before daylight. The affected areas were Ranchore Lines, Lawrence Road, Machi Miani, Mauripur and portions of McLeod Road and Clayton Road. The office of the Associated Press of Pakistan was in the blacked-out area.