KARACHI: Mr Hassan al Tohamy, Secretary General of the Islamic Secretariat, last evening [Feb 8] discussed with Prime Minister Z.A. Bhutto his talks with various Govern­ments, including his visit to Dacca and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s stand regarding the participation of Bangladesh in the forthcoming Islamic summit conference. The Secretary General, in an hour-long meeting with the Prime Minister in Karachi … indicated the strong interest of the community of Muslim nations in bringing Bangladesh into the mainstream of Islamic fraternity.

Prime Minister Bhutto expressed his readiness to do everything possible to do this, consistent with Pakistan’s position of principle in regard to the complete repatriation of all prisoners of war including the 195 prisoners whose fate is to be decided in a tripartite meeting under the Delhi Agreement. It is reported that the Foreign Office has received indications of the urgent concern of a number of Heads of Islamic States to bring about agreement on the question of repatriation of the 195 POWs and the recognition of Bangladesh by Pakistan prior to the convening of the summit conference. Foreign Secretary Mr Agha Shahi was also present in the meeting.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2024