What’s happening in B’desh essentially its internal matter: Pakistan

It calls on Bangladesh to adopt spirit of reconciliation

Amid the widespread protests in Bangladesh over the resolution adopted by Pakistan parliament, the government of Pakistan has said what is happening in Bangladesh is essentially its internal matter and passing a resolution in their parliament did not mean to interfere in the internal affairs of another country.

“What is happening in Bangladesh is essentially its internal matter. By passing a resolution, our Parliament did not mean to interfere in the internal affairs of another country,” said Pakistan Foreign office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam on Friday in a weekly media briefing.

She, however, called upon the ‘brotherly and friendly’ country of Bangladesh to adopt the spirit of reconciliation and cordiality in keeping with the tripartite agreement of 1974. “We wish the people of Bangladesh peace, stability and progress.”

The response from the spokesperson came when questions were raised on the recent issues related to Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The questions were – What is Pakistan’s final position on Bangladesh situation? Why is there a contradiction between the statements coming out from the Foreign Office and the resolutions being passed in Parliament? Secondly, what are your comments on the reports of Pakistani flags and effigies of our leaders being burnt in Bangladesh?

Tasnim Aslam said also said, “I do confirm that our High Commissioner was called to the Bangladeshi Foreign Office and was handed over an aide-memoire.”

She, however, did not like to get into responding to everything that may have been said in the public demonstrations. “…because we don’t want our response to be construed as recriminations.”

Regarding the difference between the position of the Foreign Office and Parliament, she said, it must be noted that Parliament is a sovereign body. “It’s the supreme legislative body. The Parliamentarians represent the sentiments of the people and therefore, have the right to make every statement they deem appropriate.”

She explained further saying certainly the purpose was not to interfere but it reflected Pakistan’s desire to look towards a brighter future in the spirit of 1974 Tripartite Agreement between Pakistan, India and Bangladesh where it was agreed that ‘we would let bygones be bygones and focus on a better future for peace and stability of the region.’

Tasnim Aslam also said Pakistan and Bangladesh share a long history which goes back to even before 1947. “As Muslims of South Asia, we struggled together for independence from the British rule. Till 1971, we were one nation.”

On Tuesday, Dhaka strongly protested the resolution adopted by Pakistan National Assembly (NA) expressing its concern over war criminal Abdul Quader Mollah’s execution reminding them that the matter is absolutely Bangladesh’s internal affair.

Pakistan High Commissioner Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in the afternoon and was apprised of Dhaka’s position over the resolution adopted in the Pakistan NA, Punjab Provincial Assembly and the remarks made by a senior Cabinet Minister of Pakistan government on the verdict of the war crimes tribunals in Bangladesh.

The Pakistan resolution sparked strong protests and widespread condemnation across the country.