Pakistanis behind 1971 genocide must face justice, says Punjabi poet

A Pakistani poet has demanded punishment for his fellow countrymen who committed war crimes during Bangladesh's Liberation War.

Young people in Pakistan should get their government to realise the need to apologise to Bangladesh, poet Ahmad Salim told a discussion in Dhaka on Wednesday.

"Pakistan has not taken lessons from the past. Bangladesh is now a reality. It has done better in development and in maintaining sovereignty. But the younger generation in Pakistan is more enlightened."

Bangladesh recognises Salim as a friend of its Liberation War, supporting which had landed him in jail for six months in 1971. 

The Punjabi writer was addressing a discussion to mark the 23rd death anniversary of Jahanara Imam, who headed the movement demanding punishment for 1971 war criminals in the 90s.        

He mentioned two young Pakistani writers, Anam Zakaria and Harun Khalid, who were also present in the discussion held at Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh.

"This generation should come forward and get the government to come to its senses. They should create public awareness so that Bangladesh receives an apology and those who committed atrocities get punished."

"I am not a spokesperson for Pakistan. I'm not a representative of the government. I am a Punjabi poet, and it is from that position I will apologise for the massacre committed by Pakistanis and their allies here during 1971."