Ayub Denies Corruption

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32078, 28 August 1969, Page 15

Ayub Denies Corruption

W.Z.P A.-Reuter—Copvriphti KARACHI. Pakistan’s former President, Field-Marshal Mohammed Ayub Khan, is striking back at those who allege tyranny and corruption in his 10 years of rule. “I served the country to the best of my abilities. I have done nothing of which I should feel ashamed or guilty,” Ayub, aged 63, told the Urdu-language newspaper “Mashriq.”

The interview was his first public utterance since he resigned last March 25 and handed over the Government to the armed forces. The Army chief. General Agha Mohammed Yahya Khan, proclaimed martial law to halt the disturbances in protest at Ayub's regime. In the interview, Ayub said that while he did not propose to contest a future presidential election be would still retain his interest vaf Pakistani politics. Unless voted out, he also proposed to’retain the leadership of the Moslem League. The former President met “Mashriq’s” reporter at Saidu Sharif, capital of the tiny feudal princedom Of Swat in the Himalayas. The heir-apparent of Swat is married to Ayub’s daughter, Naseen, Since March 25. Ayub has) spent most of his time in Swat, which has just been deprived of its semi-indepen- [ dent status and merged with West Pakistan by President Yahya Khan’s Government

Under President Yahya, a recognisable but little-pub-licised process of “deAyubisation” is going on. October 27, the date of Ayub’s 1958 seizure of power, is no longer to be celebrated •as Revolution Day, while his • autobiography is now off the : prescribed reading list in •Pakistani secondary schools. I Air Marshal Malik Nur I Khan, chief of the Air Force, has said tnat Pakistanis had cause to seek Ayub's overthrow because of maladministration and disregard of the popular voice.

Ayub's unpopularity in the closing years of his rule rubbed off on to his Moslem League Party. In the riots, mobs forced leaguers from their cars and made them chant, “death to Ayub Khan.”

Yet with considerable funds in the bank the party retains a capacity to reassert itself in Pakistani affairs, should President Yahya hold promised elections. So, therefore, does Ayub, if he can retain the leadership or influence the party hierarchy, according to observers.