*Dhaka/Islamabad –* A Bangladeshi reporter on Saturday raised a sensitivequestion regarding the 1971 war and the allegations of genocide, askingPakistan’s Foreign Minister to address the historic issue.
Responding to the query, the Foreign Minister avoided direct commentary onthe past, instead citing a message from the Holy Quran. *“The Quran says,clean your heart, let’s move forward,”* he said, urging both nations tofocus on reconciliation and future cooperation rather than reopening woundsfrom history.
The 1971 conflict, which led to the independence of Bangladesh, remains adeeply emotional and controversial chapter in South Asian history.Bangladesh observes March 25 as Genocide Day, remembering the atrocitiescommitted during the war. Pakistan, however, has maintained a policy offorward-looking diplomacy, emphasizing bilateral cooperation in trade,connectivity, and regional peace.
The Foreign Minister’s remarks reflect Islamabad’s longstanding stance ofavoiding confrontation over the 1971 issue, while highlighting theimportance of healing and building stronger ties with Dhaka.
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Observers noted that while the response was diplomatic, the demand foracknowledgment and justice over the 1971 atrocities remains strong inBangladesh’s political discourse.