SPECULATION ON AYUB’S HEALTH

NEW DELHI, MAR. 10.

President Ayub Khan’s health is still not reassuring, although his doctors have declared him “fully recovered”.

Today was the Id-ulZuha, the biggest day of rejoicing for Muslims, when every believer goes to the Mosque to offer prayers. But Radio Pakistan in its broadcast this afternoon only mentioned that the Central Cabinet Ministers called on the President and offered him Id greetings. No mention was made of President Ayub’s having gone to the Mosque to offer Id prayers.

Despite official claims to the contrary, President Ayub does not still appear to be completely recovered. Trustworthy diplomatic sources in New Delhi believe that the President suffered a stroke in later January, necessitating cancellation of all his engagements for a few weeks.

Although the Government of Pakistan newspapers, that the President would take the salute at a parade of the three armed forces on March 23, it may not be possible for him to do so unless the doctors specifically permit him.

During the last four weeks, several important foreign dignitaries have visited Pakistan, but none has been granted an interview with President Ayub Khan.

The Grand Mufti of Palestine could not see the President, although he stayed in Pakistan for a fortnight in connection with the celebrations of the 1400th anniversary of the revelation of the Holy Quran.