NEW YORK: In the midst of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, former Foreign Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is spearheading a significant diplomatic campaign at the United Nations (UN) to highlight Pakistan’s stance and urge the international community’s intervention for peace in South Asia.
Leading a nine-member parliamentary delegation, Bilawal has articulated Pakistan’s position clearly on multiple fronts: the imperative resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, condemnation of India’s unilateral actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), and Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue, restraint, and peace.
Kashmir dispute: the core issue
At the heart of Bilawal’s diplomatic engagement is the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, a decades-old conflict that remains the primary source of instability between India and Pakistan.
Bilawal underscored in various international forums, including a televised interview on a Chinese network, that no lasting peace can be achieved without resolving this fundamental issue in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and reflecting the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
This emphasis reflects Pakistan’s long-held policy that peace and security in South Asia hinge on addressing Kashmir’s political status through dialogue and negotiation. Bilawal stressed that the current ceasefire along the Line of Control should serve as a foundation for permanent peace, which he said would only be possible through a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Condemnation of India’s unilateral moves
Bilawal strongly condemned India’s recent unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it a blatant violation of international law and treaty obligations.
The IWT, brokered in 1960, governs the distribution of water resources between the two countries and has historically been a rare example of cooperation despite political tensions. By suspending the treaty, India, according to Bilawal, has set a dangerous precedent that threatens regional stability and security.
Further, Bilawal rejected India’s baseless accusations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack on April 22, describing these claims as a pretext for aggressive military actions, including cross-border strikes that have targeted civilians and infrastructure on the Pakistani side. He characterized Pakistan’s response as measured and guided by restraint and international law, aimed at preventing escalation into a wider conflict.
Diplomatic outreach to international community
The delegation led by Bilawal has been actively engaging with representatives of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), permanent members of the UN Security Council, and diplomatic missions from key countries such as China and Russia.
In briefings to OIC permanent representatives, Bilawal highlighted the grave developments following India’s military aggression and the challenges posed by India’s violations of treaties and international norms.
The OIC members expressed solidarity with Pakistan and the Kashmiri people, appreciating Pakistan’s transparent and timely briefing on the evolving situation. They reiterated concerns about worsening security conditions in South Asia and underscored the importance of respecting the UN Charter, international law, and treaties such as the IWT.
The OIC welcomed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the path forward for resolving disputes.
Bilawal’s delegation also held high-level meetings with China’s and Russia’s permanent representatives to the UN. China reiterated its support for Pakistan and called for respect of international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Bilawal thanked China for backing Pakistan, particularly in light of India’s refusal to allow a transparent and impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident. The delegation urged China to help facilitate dialogue between Pakistan and India.
With Russia, the delegation discussed India’s sponsorship of terrorism inside Pakistan and highlighted the humanitarian consequences of India’s unilateral suspension of the IWT. The delegation emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and regional stability, while rejecting India’s unfounded allegations.
Multi-front diplomatic campaign
In addition to the New York delegation led by Bilawal, another parliamentary delegation, headed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, is conducting visits to Moscow and other key capitals, including Washington, London, and Brussels.
This coordinated diplomatic effort aims to project Pakistan’s perspective on the recent military escalation and to engage a broad spectrum of international stakeholders, including lawmakers, think tanks, media, and diaspora communities.
The Foreign Office described the delegations’ mission as emphasizing Pakistan’s responsible and restrained behavior amid India’s belligerent actions, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy over conflict. The delegations also aim to highlight the urgent need for restoring the IWT and for the international community to actively promote lasting peace in South Asia.
Pakistan’s position on terrorism and self-defense
Bilawal has reiterated Pakistan’s position as a victim of terrorism, with the country having suffered extensive losses over the years. He stressed that Pakistan’s political leadership, military, and citizens have all been affected by terrorism. Contrasting Pakistan’s defensive posture, Bilawal accused India of naked aggression by violating the international border and engaging in military strikes.
This narrative seeks to underscore Pakistan’s claim of acting in self-defense while portraying India as the aggressor destabilizing the region. Bilawal pointed to Pakistan’s diplomatic and military restraint as evidence of its commitment to peace, even as India escalates tensions through hostile rhetoric and actions.
Challenges ahead: international law, peace, and stability
Bilawal’s diplomatic efforts highlight several pressing challenges in the South Asian region. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty threatens a critical water-sharing arrangement and risks weaponizing water resources, a move that could have severe humanitarian and environmental consequences for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s climate change minister, Musadik Malik, underscored the treaty’s humanitarian implications during these discussions.
At the same time, the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved, with India’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue complicating prospects for peace. Bilawal and his delegation’s calls for adherence to UN resolutions and international law reflect Pakistan’s insistence that diplomatic solutions must be prioritized over unilateral actions and military confrontation.
International response and future prospects
The delegations’ outreach has received cautious support from OIC countries and key global powers like China and Russia, who have emphasized respect for international law and the importance of dialogue.
However, broader international engagement, especially from Western powers and the UN Security Council, remains crucial to facilitate conflict resolution and to prevent further escalation.
The Foreign Office spokesperson emphasized that India’s attempts to deflect blame onto Pakistan are disconnected from reality, citing India’s record of aggression and sponsorship of terrorism. The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity and warned that ignoring the Kashmir issue will perpetuate instability.
The path to durable peace in South Asia, according to Pakistani officials, requires maturity, restraint, and a willingness to address the root causes of conflict, rather than pursuing narrow political interests that exacerbate tensions.
Bilawal’s diplomatic campaign aims to reinforce this message and mobilize international support for a just and lasting resolution.
