More Pakistani politicians, former diplomats and journalists yesterday condemned through Twitter their National Assembly since it passed a resolution on Monday expressing concern over the execution of war criminal Abdur Quader Molla.
Pakistani people from different strata have been criticising passage of the resolution and Imran Khan’s remark in their comments on online news items regarding the issue.
The former Pakistan ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman, also chair of Jinnah Institute, tweeted yesterday: “We really do need a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. And to apologise to Bangladesh…”
Politician Afrasiab Khattak, chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan since 1999, said in Twitter: “We don’t put those on trail who were accused of war crimes by HR Commission and if Bangladesh tries the accused persons we have objection?”
Re-tweeting a status that states “Bangladesh still awaits official Pakistan apology for 1971,” renowned rights activist of Pakistan Marvi Sirmed satirically said: “Let them. We’re busy mourning Mullah.”
Nadeem F Paracha, a journalist and columnist of the Dawn, twitted: “Shameful resolution in the Parliament by PMLN [Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz], PTI [Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf] and JI [Jamaat-e-Islami] condemning the hanging of a murderous bigot is an insult to democracy.”
Another well-known politician of Pakistan People’s Party Nafisa Shah said in her twitter: “NA’s (National Assembly) irresponsible and uncalled for resolution courtesy JI, PTI, PMLN, JUI [Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam] has provoked flag burning and demos against our country in Bangladesh.”
Progressive Youth Forum, a group of youths in Pakistan, officially condemned the resolution and PTI chief Imran Khan for terming Quader Molla “innocent.” The atrocities committed in Bangladesh during 1971 should have been a lesson in history that all political parties should learn from.
“If we have any hope of furthering democratic federalism in Pakistan, it is important that we own up to our history, including our past mistakes and aggression, and learn from it.”
The forum’s spokesperson, Khadija Ali, told the Dhaka Tribune: “I almost had a stroke when I read this news. People should always remember which side of history they were on.”
