A Bangladeshi vehicle owner reacts near a burning car set on fire by demonstrating Jamaat-e-Islami supporters following the execution of Abdul Quader Molla, convicted of war crimes, in Dhaka on December 13, 2013. PHOTO: AFP
"We wish the people of Bangladesh peace, stability and progress," foreign office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said.
“Bangladesh and Pakistan have a long history and Pakistanis are safe in Bangladesh.”
“We are looking at the future and not the past. Pakistan is not in the position to give a reaction to any matter,” he further added.
Since the execution of Molla on December 12, Pakistan drew huge criticism from Bangladesh for its reaction over hanging of the JI leader. On December 16, the National Assembly had adopted a resolution expressing concern over the execution of Molla. Following the resolution, Bangladesh’s ministry of foreign affairs had summoned Pakistan’s top envoy in Dhaka to register its protest.
Regarding the resolution, the spokesperson commented that it “reflects the emotions of the general public”.
These statements by the Foreign Office come after thousands of people had entered the diplomatic zone outside the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka on December 18. Police had attempted to stop the demonstators, but they broke through the barricade and proceeded towards the High Commission inside the diplomatic zone. Earlier, the activists had demonstrated against what they described as “Pakistan’s interference”, on a road beside Gulshan-2 circle. The demonstrators had also chanted anti-Pakistan slogans.
US aid
“We are in contact with the US and as of now there has been no decision regarding stopping aid to Pakistan,” the spokesperson stated.
On December 9, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel had reportedly warned Pakistani leaders that if they did not resolve protests stalling some military shipments across the border into Afghanistan, it could be difficult to maintain political support in Washington for providing aid to Pakistan.
The spokesperson also added that “there is a collective damage of drone strikes and they are a violation of international law”.
Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project
“We plan to complete the gas pipeline project with Iran,” the foreign office spokesperson remarked.
Under the project, Pakistan will import 750 mmcfd, which could be increased to one billion cubic feet. The Balochistan government seeks 250 mmcfd for consumption at the Gwadar Port and the Centre can go for increased supplies to meet the needs of the province.
The gas pipeline is a project between governments of the two countries, which will be implemented through their nominated entities.
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