KARACHI: PPP Chairman and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that the consequences of a nuclear conflict would not be confined to South Asia, but would have devastating repercussions for the entire world.
Speaking to the press after an initial high-level briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bilawal, who has been appointed to lead a diplomatic mission to key global capitals, said Pakistan is launching a concerted diplomatic campaign to counter India’s aggressive narrative and to advocate for dialogue, peace, and regional stability.
“The consequences of a nuclear war would not be limited to India and Pakistan,” Bilawal said. “The entire region, and indeed the world, would suffer. It is essential that the international community understands what is at stake if this escalation continues unchecked.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a senior-level delegation tasked with reaching out to world leaders, international organisations, and strategic partners. The delegation will engage with foreign governments to present Pakistan’s stance in light of India’s recent military actions and accusations.
Alongside Bilawal, the delegation includes senior diplomats and parliamentarians: Senator Sherry Rehman, Dr Musadik Malik, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan, Hina Rabbani Khar, Faisal Sabzwari, former foreign secretaries Tehmina Janjua and Jalil Abbas Jilani.
Bilawal confirmed that the group had received its initial policy briefing covering the ceasefire, the evolving situation in Kashmir, terrorism, and what he called “India’s attack on the Indus Waters Treaty.” He said more briefings would continue over the next few days, followed by visits to major capitals to present Pakistan’s case.
The decision comes in the wake of a sharp military escalation earlier this month, when Indian air strikes targeted areas in Pakistani Punjab and Azad Kashmir. The attacks were followed by Pakistan shooting down five Indian jets and a brief but intense series of aerial engagements. A ceasefire was brokered on May 10 through U.S. intervention, but India has maintained a combative tone since, prompting Islamabad to increase diplomatic outreach.
“We are not the aggressors,” Bilawal reiterated. “Pakistan responded in self-defence, and it did so responsibly and proportionately. The world has seen who sought escalation and who sought restraint.”
He added that Pakistan’s mission now is to inform the global community of the risks of miscalculation between two nuclear-armed nations, and to press for meaningful engagement to address the root causes of conflict — namely the Kashmir dispute, terrorism, and water security.
“India is trying to impose a new normal in the region — one where aggression goes unchecked and international law is ignored,” Bilawal said. “That’s not a normal we accept. And the world shouldn’t either.”
Bilawal expressed deep concern over India’s handling of shared water resources and accused New Delhi of weaponising water through violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. He said this issue must be brought to the world’s attention as a growing threat to regional peace.
He also stressed that Pakistan has consistently advocated for peace and dialogue, not conflict. “The people of both countries do not want war. They want jobs, schools, and security. They want the right to live without fear. But peace is not possible unless the underlying flashpoints are addressed.”
Bilawal said Pakistan’s message to the world will be one of responsibility, restraint, and readiness to resolve issues through diplomacy — contrasting it with India’s narrative of escalation and provocation.
In a social media post earlier in the day, Bilawal confirmed his appointment to lead the diplomatic outreach. “I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, India has also announced plans to send multiple all-party delegations to major world capitals to promote its own stance, particularly focusing on terrorism and “national security”. Analysts suggest both countries are preparing to fight not only on traditional fronts, but also across global diplomatic platforms and media landscapes.
Pakistan hopes its international campaign, led by experienced diplomats and senior politicians, will not only counter India’s claims but reframe the crisis as a global security concern — one that demands urgent international attention.
As Bilawal put it plainly: “When two nuclear states move toward confrontation, the threat doesn’t stop at their borders. The whole world has something to lose.”
