LAHORE: Prime Minister Z.A. Bhutto said here today [Feb 16] that Pakistan had received positive indications that Bangladesh would drop the trial of 195 POWs, but she would like to have cast-iron guarantees on the question before according a formal recognition. He noted that as against these indications, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had been making categorical statements that he would not drop the trials of POWs. “How can we reconcile these two things, specially in view of my last encounters with him on Dec 27, 1971 and Jan 7, 1972 — the two occasions when he had made some solemn commitments, which he had failed to fulfil”.

Addressing a Press conference … he said that Pakistan’s stand over the question was very clear. “The sooner we recognise, the sooner we swallow this bitter pill the better it will be.” Pakistan, however, did not want it unconditionally — the future and fate of the 195 POWs had to be kept in view. Asked as to what would happen if Bangladesh decided to back out of its commitment … he said there were some other considerations. Bangladesh … was yet to be recognised by the People’s Republic of China and she had yet to get a seat at the United Nations.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2024