Not meant to interfere
The resolution passed in Pakistan National Assembly was not meant to interfere in Bangladesh's internal affairs, a spokesperson for the Pakistan foreign office said yesterday.
“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," Tasnim Aslam, the spokesperson, said during her weekly press briefing at the foreign ministry in Islamabad.
On December 16, Pakistan parliament had adopted a resolution expressing concern over the execution of convicted war criminal and Jamaat leader Abdul Quader Mollah.
Following the resolution, Bangladesh's foreign ministry had summoned the Pakistan envoy in Dhaka to register its protest.
Regarding the difference between the position of the foreign office and the parliament, Tasnim Aslam said, "It must be noted that the parliament is a sovereign body. It is 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 added.
"Certainly the purpose was not to interfere but it reflected our 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," Aslam said.
To a query about the Pakistan envoy being summoned in Dhaka, she said, "We would not like to get into responding to everything that may have been said in the public demonstrations because we do not want our response to be construed as recriminations."
The spokesperson continued, "We call 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."
Since the execution of Quader Mollah on December 12, Pakistan has drawn huge criticism from the people of Bangladesh for its stand on the issue.
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