Pakistan is actively promoting a message of peace and reconciliation, confident that its diplomatic efforts will ultimately prevail over India’s aggressive posturing.
This assertive stance was articulated by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, former foreign minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), following his recent high-level diplomatic engagements.
Fresh from a productive visit to the United States, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is currently leading a nine-member parliamentary delegation in the United Kingdom.
The delegation’s primary objective is to present Pakistan’s perspective on the recent military tensions with India and to challenge New Delhi’s narrative on the international stage. Key members of this influential delegation include:
- Hina Rabbani Khar
- Sherry Rehman
- Dr. Musadik Malik
- Khurram Dastgir Khan
- Jalil Abbas Jilani
- Tehmina Janjua
- Bushra Anjum Butt
- Syed Faisal Subzwari
Speaking to the media after discussions at the British Parliament, the 36-year-old politician emphasized the universal desire for peace. He noted that in all his international interactions, the sentiment has overwhelmingly been in favor of peace, with only Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemingly intent on perpetuating conflict. “Our message is clear – we want to establish peace through dialogue and diplomacy,” Bilawal asserted, highlighting that regional peace serves the best interests of all stakeholders.
The UK’s Potential Role in South Asian Peace
Bilawal also underscored the historical ties between Britain, Pakistan, and India, suggesting that the UK is uniquely positioned to mediate and de-escalate tensions.
He specifically pointed to the long-standing Kashmir dispute as the “unfinished agenda of the Partition of the subcontinent,” an issue where British engagement could be particularly constructive. The strong presence of the Pakistani diaspora in Britain, he added, further reinforces the desire for regional tranquility.
He further argued that sustained peace in South Asia would unlock significant opportunities for the UK, fostering economic cooperation and trade.
The revival of crucial transit routes across the region, which he described as bringing “advantages of all sorts,” is contingent upon a peaceful environment. “If the UK wishes to benefit from the region’s trade potential, peace is a necessary condition,” he stressed.
Challenging India’s Narrative of Division
The former foreign minister sharply criticized India’s current political leadership, accusing it of promoting a narrative built on conflict and division. He contrasted Pakistan’s robust case for peace with India’s “case for war,” which he characterized as being “based on lies and division.”
Bilawal contended that India’s current approach seeks to divide not only its own populace but the entire region. He reiterated that the global consensus is for peace, with Prime Minister Modi being the sole proponent of continued confrontation.
