Bilawal Urges Dialogue, Highlights Kashmir as Key to Lasting Peace
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has emphasized that lasting peace in the region is only achievable through dialogue and diplomacy. He underscored the importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute as a prerequisite for a durable ceasefire.
Bilawal is currently in New York, leading a nine-member high-level parliamentary delegation on a two-day visit aimed at presenting Pakistan’s perspective on the recent military standoff with India and countering New Delhi’s narrative on the global stage.
The delegation includes prominent figures such as Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, Dr. Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt, and Syed Faisal Subzwari.
In an interview with China’s CCTV News, Bilawal stated that India conducted illegal and unilateral strikes across the border following the recent Pahalgam incident. He reiterated Pakistan’s call for an impartial investigation and renewed diplomatic efforts to ensure lasting regional peace.
“We proposed a neutral investigation after the Pahalgam attack, but India refused,” he said.
Bilawal advocated for the creation of a permanent joint investigative mechanism between India and Pakistan to examine not only the Pahalgam incident but all acts of terrorism affecting both nations.
“There have been numerous instances where India has allegedly been involved in attacks within Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,” he claimed. “A neutral investigative forum would help both sides seek justice and avoid further violence.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on peace, Bilawal maintained that any military actions taken were in self-defence. He also alleged that Pakistan shot down six Indian aircraft during the confrontation — a claim he said India only acknowledged a month later.
“It took the Indian government a full month to admit their aircraft had been downed,” he noted.
He also criticized India for violating the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a breach of international law. “No party can unilaterally withdraw from the treaty. Any amendments must come through mutual agreement,” he stated. Despite this, dialogue on the treaty remains at an impasse.
Bilawal reiterated that the Kashmir issue remains central to the conflict, which has once again gained global attention due to recent tensions between the two countries.
“If we are serious about eliminating terrorism, we need to address its root causes — and Kashmir lies at the core,” he said. “This issue can no longer be ignored by the international community.”
Calling for international engagement, Bilawal said, “The United Nations still has a critical role to play. The Secretary-General’s efforts during the crisis were constructive. Now, we need similar initiatives to achieve a fair and lasting peace.”
He concluded by pointing out that India remains the only country unwilling to engage in dialogue. “Pakistan is actively reaching out to the global community to encourage a comprehensive peace process, one that includes resolving the Kashmir dispute, upholding the Indus Waters Treaty, and addressing terrorism.”
