KARACHI: Hectic diplomatic activity is going on in Cairo, Islamabad and Dacca for the participation of Bangladesh in the forthcoming Islamic summit, diplomatic sources [have said]. Sources disclosed that Mr Hasan al-Tohamy, Secretary-General, Islamic Sec­retariat, will again visit Dacca towards the end of the week for final talks with BD leaders.

Mr Tohamy, who met with [the] Indian Foreign Minister … last week, was understood to have discussed the stand of both Pakistan and Bangladesh on normalisation of relations between the three countries and dropping the trials of 195 Pakistani POWs. Pakistan … had conveyed to Mr Tohamy her desire to invite Bangladesh at the summit in the larger interest of the Muslim world. Many Muslim countries have also asked Islamabad to accord recognition to the Dacca administration provided it drops the idea of holding trials. Before leaving Dacca for Karachi … Mr Tohamy had [said] there that he will proceed to Cairo … for the all important step leading to recognition of Bangladesh by Pakistan. … Diplomatic sources … hinted that after the visit of Mr Tohamy to Dacca … a formal announcement will be made … to attend the summit. — News agencies

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2024