A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by former Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, completed a five-day tour of the United States on Sunday, holding over 50 meetings with members of Congress, senators, and UN representatives.
The visit aimed to present Pakistan’s peace-first narrative and counter India’s allegations following the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, IIOJK.
Now in the United Kingdom, the nine-member team continues its international outreach after making waves in Washington and New York, where they laid out Pakistan’s stance on regional peace and security, Kashmir, and water disputes with India.
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Peace in a nuclear neighborhood
The diplomatic tour came in the wake of escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, triggered by India’s unproven claims linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack. Islamabad has denied the accusations and condemned India’s retaliatory strikes, which sparked a short but intense military standoff.
Senator Sherry Rehman, part of the delegation, told private TV channel News that their meetings were “constructive and empathetic.” She emphasized that all American lawmakers agreed “the weaponisation of water is dangerous” and warned that India is taking on the image of “a belligerent state.”
She made it clear: “Our story is our own story. We’re not chasing India—we came to present facts.”
Pakistan’s story gains ground
Senator Syed Faisal Subzwari added that their visit began at the United Nations, where they conveyed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, even while showcasing its military strength. “We invited peace. That’s Pakistan’s success and India’s failure,” he said. He also noted that India is seeking “immunity to commit aggression without proof.”
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Subzwari reiterated the importance of regional peace and security, stating that global powers must act to ensure stability in South Asia, especially when “two nuclear powers cannot move forward in a hostile environment.”
Water, war, and warning signs
Former Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan called the Indus Waters Treaty “a matter of life and death.” He warned that India’s violations cannot go unchecked and urged the U.S. to reconsider its passive stance post-Trump-era ceasefire.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt echoed similar concerns. “If Pakistan and India go to war, the entire region suffers,” she said, adding that future peace agreements would mean nothing if the current treaties are ignored.
Kashmir conflict back in global focus
Former caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani revealed that the delegation met with top UN officials, including the Secretary-General. “India’s aggression has exposed it. Pakistan has long sought peaceful solutions, but this recent war has turned Kashmir into a global issue,” he said.
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According to Jilani, Pakistan not only defended its territory but also took strong retaliatory actions, shooting down six Indian aircraft and targeting military installations.
“They started a war on a lie”
Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said, “India started a war based on a lie—and couldn’t even win it.” He criticized Western support for India, especially U.S. defense funding.
“American taxpayers are unknowingly financing a military-industrial complex in India that claims to ensure stability but does the opposite,” Bilawal warned.
He urged the international community to move past illusions and recognize that true regional peace and security can only come from dialogue, not domination.
