ISLAMABAD: The Government and people of Pakistan under no circumstances would accept the position that any Pakistani prisoners of war, military or civilian, can be tried by Bangladesh, Mr Aziz Ahmed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said … here tonight [April 25].

He was commenting on the Indian Foreign Minister’s statement in Parliament yesterday that at one time Pakistan had suggested that it would be reconciled to the trial of 1,000 prisoners of war. Mr Aziz Ahmed recalled the warning repeatedly given by President Bhutto that if Bangladesh does not desist from holding the trial of Pakistani prisoners of war a point of no return would be reached.

The following is the text of Mr Aziz Ahmed’s statement:- “The Government of Pakistan is surprised to learn that Sardar Swaran Singh … reportedly told the Indian Parliament … that at one time Pakistan had suggested it would be reconciled to the trial of 1,000 Pakistanis. Pakistan had at no time made any such suggestion. … Lest there be any doubt … I want to state categorically that under no circumstances would the Government and people of Pakistan accept the position that prisoners of war … can be tried by Bangladesh for alleged offences.” — News agencies

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2023