A recent statement by the government of Pakistan states that Islamabad will accept about 250 thousand muslims who at present reside in Bangladesh. The Pakistani nationals, Biharis, were stranded in Bangladesh since 1971 when
the former east Pakistan became independent.


The statement also called for other muslim countries and humanitarian organizations to contribute money for what it described "a
gigantic humanitarian program". A trust fund setup by Pakistan and a relief organization from Saudi Arabia will accept all
contributions. The original repatriation program was abandoned when Ms. Bhutto came in power in 1993, after 300 biharis were repatriated during prime minister Nawaz Sharif's first term in office in the early 1990's.


Is there light at the end of the tunnel for these Bihari refugees? For the moment it appears so.