LONDON: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called on the UK government to maintain its proactive role in de-escalating tensions and facilitating dialogue between Pakistan and India.
Speaking with Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Bilawal led a high-level parliamentary delegation of Pakistan to discuss escalating regional tensions following recent military provocations by India.
Bilawal commended the UK for its efforts and its leadership’s statements advocating for restraint, engagement, and a diplomatic path forward. He provided Falconer with an update on Pakistan’s stance following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack, rejecting India’s baseless allegations against Pakistan, which were made without credible investigation or evidence.
The PPP Chairman warned that India’s unilateral military actions, including attacks on civilians, destruction of infrastructure, and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, represented a dangerous escalation in the region. He emphasized that such actions risk destabilizing South Asia, especially in a nuclearized environment.
Bilawal reaffirmed Pakistan’s responsible conduct in the face of provocations, stressing the country’s commitment to international law and the UN Charter. He warned against India’s attempts to establish a “new normal” based on impunity and force, which could lead to broader conflict in the region.
The delegation also highlighted the humanitarian impact of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling for its restoration and urging a comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India, particularly over the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remains central to lasting peace in South Asia.
