“Islam teaches us to clean our hearts:” FM Dar responds to 1971 East Pakistan question

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that the question of East Pakistan’s separation in 1971 was resolved long ago, and both Pakistan and Bangladesh should now focus on moving forward by upholding Islamic values of brotherhood.

Responding to a journalist’s question during his visit to Dhaka, Dar recalled that the issue was formally settled in 1974.

“The document is historic and available with all countries,” he said, adding that former president Pervez Musharraf also openly addressed the matter during his visit to Bangladesh.

“When an issue between two brothers is resolved, Islam teaches us to cleanse our hearts,” Dar remarked. “Let’s move forward. We have to work together and build a bright future. We are family.”

He stressed that both nations should concentrate on unlocking their potential through cooperation, particularly for the welfare of their people.

Good response of Ishaq Dar to a question by a Bangladesh journalist about 1971 ..
Issued was resolved twice..
Islam teaches us to clean our hearts for each other..

pic.twitter.com/NVF6RLoZus

— Waseem Abbasi (@Wabbasi007) August 24, 2025

Dar arrived in Bangladesh on Saturday for what is being described as a historic visit, the first by a Pakistani foreign minister in 13 years. The visit comes at the invitation of the Bangladeshi government.

Read more: Pakistan, Bangladesh agree on visa-free entry for officials

During his stay, Dar held meetings with key leaders, including Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Advisor Muhammad Tohid Hossain. Both sides emphasizsed the importance of strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and other sectors of mutual interest.

The Deputy Prime Minister also met with prominent political figures, including Dr Shafiqur-ur-Rehman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and Khaleda Zia, head of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.