President Zardari Urges Closer Pakistan-Bangladesh Ties, Says Youth Unaware of Separation’s Pain

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized the need for Pakistan and Bangladesh to work together to heal past wounds and build a stronger future, stating that today’s generation cannot truly understand the pain of the 1971 separation.
Speaking at a reception hosted in honor of the Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket teams at Governor House Lahore, President Zardari reflected on the historic split, noting, “I belong to the generation that witnessed the separation of Pakistan and Bangladesh, but today’s youth is unaware of that pain. We must move beyond past bitterness and work together for the betterment of both nations.”
During the event, the President met with players and officials from both teams and praised Pakistan’s recent performances on the cricket field. He also commended the Bangladeshi team for their spirit and sportsmanship, calling them “ambassadors of the game.”
Zardari acknowledged Bangladesh’s rise as a successful nation and said both Pakistan and Dhaka are rich in resources. He highlighted the potential for extensive cooperation between the two countries, particularly through engaging the younger generation.
He emphasized the role of sports, especially cricket, as a powerful tool for fostering connections and promoting peace and prosperity in the region. “More efforts must be made to strengthen ties through sports,” he said.
Ending on a light note, President Zardari smiled and said, “Leave politics to us. We can go to jail — people like us can serve 14 years in prison. You cannot,” drawing laughter from the audience.