Pakistan FM Says 1971 Disputes Resolved Twice

Dhaka, August 25, 2025,  Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that disputes linked to the 1971 Liberation War were resolved on two occasions, first in 1974 and later during the early 2000s. His remarks came during an official visit to Dhaka, where he met Bangladeshi leaders to discuss bilateral ties.

Dar explained that the first resolution followed the 1974 trilateral talks involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, which he described as historic. The second, he said, came during the visit of then-President Pervez Musharraf to Bangladesh in the early 2000s. Dar emphasized that documents from both occasions remain important references in the relationship between the two countries.

Bangladesh, however, rejected Dar’s statement. Foreign Affairs Adviser M. Touhid Hossain said he disagreed with the claim, arguing that if the matter had been fully resolved, it would not still be under discussion. He also dismissed the notion that decades-old disputes could be settled in a single meeting or visit.

Bangladesh has long pressed for an official apology from Pakistan over the events of 1971, during which its government accuses Pakistani forces of committing widespread atrocities against civilians. Dhaka also continues to demand financial compensation and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis left in the country after independence.

Hossain further stressed that unresolved issues include recognition of Bangladesh’s share of pre-independence assets and the transfer of aid funds originally intended for victims of the devastating 1970 cyclone

Despite differences over historical disputes, both sides signaled interest in moving forward. During Dar’s visit, Pakistan and Bangladesh signed an agreement and five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding cooperation. The commitments cover areas such as trade, investment, and regional dialogue.

Dar told reporters in Dhaka that his trip provided an opportunity to “strengthen bilateral ties,” adding that Pakistan wishes to build a new chapter of cooperation with Bangladesh. Bangladeshi officials echoed interest in enhancing economic partnerships but repeated that unresolved historical matters remain central to their position.

More than five decades later, the 1971 war continues to shape Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. While Pakistan maintains that past agreements resolved the disputes, Bangladesh insists that the absence of an official apology and pending financial and humanitarian issues remain barriers to full reconciliation.

For now, both nations appear willing to balance efforts to improve present-day ties with addressing longstanding disagreements rooted in history.