Attacks on Iran: If we don't speak, next they will come to Pakistan: Bilawal
ISLAMABAD: Regarding the military attacks of Israel and America on Iran, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that first they came to Lebanon, then to Yemen, and now to Iran, if we don't speak up, they will come to us, and there will be no one to speak up.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Monday, he said that that we strongly condemn the attacks on Iran's nuclear sites. 'Israel attacked Iran based on lies. We condemn it. Iran's sovereignty was violated. Iran's military leadership was targeted not on the battlefield but in their homes. Iranian scientists were targeted. The biggest violation is the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.'
He said that the United States (US) attacked Iran's nuclear sites. US carried out strikes at Iranian nuclear sites. Had there been a spread of radiations due to the attack, it would have impacted the entire region, especially Pakistan. The people of America do not support this war.
The PPP chairman said that earlier this was said about Iraq and now it has been said about Iran that they have weapons of mass destruction. 'First, they came to Lebanon, then to Yemen and now to Iran. If we do not speak up now, then when they come to us, there will be no one to speak up. The Israeli regime must be stopped,' he said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
Dealing with Indian intransigence
EDITORIAL: The failure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO's) defence ministers' summit to end with the signing of a joint communique marked a rare breakdown in consensus within a forum traditionally known for its predisposition for collective action. The disharmony on display can be directly attributed to India's stubborn refusal to endorse a joint declaration that omitted reference to its version of events with respect to the Pahalgam incident and its narrative on cross-border terrorism. Ever since the Pahalgam tragedy and the stinging defeat that New Delhi was handed during Operation Sindoor, one can observe a hardening pattern of Indian intransigence, where it consistently refuses to explore any avenue for mending ties with Pakistan. This obstinacy not only continues to strain bilateral relations, it is now clearly also derailing multilateral forums, with Indian foreign policy increasingly characterised by obstructionism and an unwillingness to engage in constructive, consensus-driven diplomacy. In fact, one could argue that such obstructionism has long predated recent events, as evidenced by the stagnation of the SAARC forum, which remains effectively paralysed due to India's inflexible posturing. SAARC had the potential to emerge as a dynamic forum, harnessing the collective energy and potential of South Asia; yet today, it lies dormant, crippled by the dysfunctional India-Pakistan relationship. While one could argue that both nations share responsibility for this paralysis, India's disproportionate influence in South Asia has allowed this bilateral dysfunction to completely hijack opportunities for regional cooperation on trade, security, economic connectivity, climate resilience and human development, leaving the entire region poorer in every dimension. Now, the same pattern threatens to undermine more influential forums like the SCO. New Delhi must realise, however, that adopting a similarly rigid approach at the SCO – where heavyweights like Russia and China hold sway – will only serve to deepen its isolation and alienate key forum members that value consensus and pragmatic cooperation. Just days ago, India refused to sign an SCO statement condemning Israeli strikes on Iran, taking issue with Israel being termed as the aggressor, while last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi conspicuously absented himself from the organisation's summits held in Kazakhstan and Pakistan. New Delhi also withdrew from the group's 2030 Economic Development Strategy over fears that it was too China-centric. It goes without saying that while such obstructionism may serve short-term political posturing to cater to a domestic audience, it risks sabotaging India's ambitions for global leadership, as such juvenile brinkmanship is self-defeating and undermines New Delhi's credibility on the world stage. Insofar as the SCO communiqué is concerned, India's inability to convince forum members to endorse its narrative on Pahalgam – failing to produce any evidence to implicate Pakistan even two months after the attack – exposes not only the hollowness of its claims, but also underscores the extreme recklessness of its subsequent actions, from the ill-conceived Operation Sindoor to the unprecedented suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty that threatens to jeopardise Pakistan's water security and food production systems. In this context, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah's recent declaration that the IWT will never be restored and that waters meant for Pakistan will be diverted towards Rajasthan through new canals is highly troubling. Notwithstanding the technical feasibility of such a project, it is New Delhi's unyielding intent on the matter that is truly alarming, as it remains bent upon weaponising water resources. While Pakistan was able to thwart India's designs during the SCO summit, the fact is that ultimate diplomatic victory will be measured by our ability to mobilise sustained international pressure that creates tangible costs for Indian intransigence and secures irreversible protections for the country's water rights. Anything short of this risks severing our agricultural and economic lifelines. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
Rogue states
The US-led west has created new forms and methods of exercising its hegemony over the rest of the world. The colonial history of the past two centuries is already filled with atrocities committed against the colonised in the name of a 'civilising' mission. In later times, and particularly since the decolonisation process following World War II, the US-led west has developed an extensive theoretical and ideological narrative to justify its so-called 'rules-based order'. The unanswered questions this gives rise to are 1) What rules? 2) Whose rules? 3) How, after delineating these 'rules', does the US-led west see fit to violate them in letter and spirit wherever its interests are involved, including, first and foremost, global hegemony? While the guns have fallen silent in the recent wars between Pakistan and India and Iran and Israel, with the US in tow to the latter, these conflagrations have given new life to the questions posed above. In the case of Pakistan and India, yes, we managed to get the better of India after it launched attacks across the international border, but our subsequent emphasis on dialogue between the two contending sides appears to be a fond hope at best, given Prime Minister Narendra Modi's embarrassment. The likelihood is that new forms of action will now replace India's open cross-border hostilities, including sabotage and covert actions. As far as the Iran-Israel-US conflagration goes, it is by now obvious to even the purblind that Israel is the settler colonialist cat's paw of the US-led west, supplied, armed and encouraged in its outrageous behaviour with its neighbours near and far and the Palestinians by its 'masters'. If this seems an oversimplification, one may concede that occasionally Israel jumps the gun or acts (has acted) in ways unpalatable to western interests, but these are lovers' quarrels soon settled. In the case of Iran, the ostensible aims of the Israeli and US attacks seem far from achieved. If Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's thirty year bellicosity regarding Iran's transition to a nuclear weapons power ('any day now', repeated ad nauseam by this mischief maker) has led logically and inexorably to its 14-day barrage against Iran, capped by Trump's belligerent strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, neither has succeeded in the aims trotted out by both. Neither has Iran's nuclear capability been irreparably harmed, nor has the much desired in Washington and Tel Aviv regime change in Tehran occurred. On the contrary, Iran has safeguarded its 60 percent enriched uranium and the Iranian people, even those not well disposed towards the mullah regime in Tehran, have rallied in defence of their country. In other words, the Israeli-US assault on Iran has proved an utter failure. Israel, on the other hand, has for perhaps the first time, received a small dose of what it has been dishing out with gay abandon to the hapless, defenceless Palestinians and their dwindling number of sympathisers in Lebanon and Yemen. It is perhaps too soon to speculate, but Israel's much vaunted impenetrability has certainly been dented, even if not completely demolished. This is bound to have some impact on new emigration into Israel, if not an outflux of fearful Israelis to safer climes. But the bitter fact has now, in the light of what has transpired since October 2023, to be frankly acknowledged that the hopes of Hamas in attacking Israel in an unprecedented manner and capturing hostages to bargain with have been dashed. It appeared that Hamas was attempting to nullify the growing ranks of Arab countries succumbing to the 'temptation' of joining the ranks of their brother countries in signing onto the so-called Abraham Accords floated by Trump in his first term. In essence these were meant to pave the way for recognition of, and peace with, Israel as an undeniable and settled fact of life. In return, the Arab states being wooed were promised generous largesse emanating from Washington's banquet table. If Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's denial statement the other day is taken note of, it seems Pakistan too is being 'wooed' by certain quarters to sign on to this ignominious surrender and betrayal of the Palestinians. Though a 'peace' of sorts reigns, Iran's perception of doubting Israel's respect for the ceasefire hits the nail on the head, particularly if Trump's statement about bombing Iran again if necessary is taken into account. Why is Iran being 'blessed' by so much of this unwanted attention? The logical answer is that after weakening Iran's allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the hegemonic dreamers in Washington are desirous of delivering the final blow that will cleanse the Middle East of any semblance of resistance to their desired goal of complete hegemony. To achieve this, objective analysis suggests they can go to any lengths. In the process of course, the violation of their own professed 'rules-based order' would justify classifying the US as a rogue state. As for Israel, it has never subscribed to any international rules of behaviour and is therefore more than deserving of this appellation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
Vietnam envoy for expanding economic ties with Pakistan
KARACHI: Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Pham Anh Tuan, has expressed Vietnam's keen interest in strengthening trade and economic relations with Pakistan, as bilateral trade between the two countries approaches the US$1 billion mark. Speaking during his first official visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), the Ambassador said that the current trade volume stands at approximately US$850 million, and with concerted efforts, both sides are well positioned to achieve or surpass the US$1 billion target by the end of this year or next year. The Vietnamese Ambassador, while highlighting the importance of strengthening institutional linkages and fostering deeper economic engagement, suggested that by enhancing collaboration between Vietnam Chamber and Karachi Chamber, facilitating timely exchange of trade-related information, encouraging the regular exchange of business delegations, and actively participating in each other's trade fairs and exhibitions, both countries can explore new opportunities for trade and investment while showcasing their products to wider audiences. Ambassador Tuan emphasized that it is time to realize the full potential of Vietnam–Pakistan economic relations. He expressed confidence that with the cooperation of KCCI's leadership and the active participation of Karachi's vibrant business community, the two sides will be able to significantly enhance economic cooperation. Referring to the commitment at the highest level, he mentioned that the Prime Ministers of both countries had met in Saudi Arabia last year and reaffirmed their shared desire to strengthen bilateral trade and commercial ties. Reflecting on his experience in Pakistan, Ambassador Tuan noted that although he assumed charge at the Embassy just ten months ago, it has been sufficient time to gain valuable insights into the country's people and business landscape. 'I am highly impressed by the dynamism of Pakistan's business community. During my tenure, I have had the opportunity to visit several chambers including those in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and now Karachi', he said. He further stated that Vietnam and Pakistan share a longstanding relationship dating back to 1972, and are currently celebrating 53 years of diplomatic relations. He recalled that President Pervez Musharraf was the first Pakistani head of state to visit Vietnam in 2003, which was followed by a state visit by Vietnam's president to Pakistan in 2004. Since then, relations have grown steadily, not only at the political level but also through robust people-to-people and business-to-business engagement. Promoting closer people-to-people contact and fostering greater cooperation between the business communities of both countries remains a key priority for the Vietnamese Embassy, he said, adding that bilateral trade has shown consistent growth over the years, signalling untapped potential for further expansion. Welcoming Vietnamese Ambassador, Senior Vice President KCCI, Zia ul Arfeen, called for intensified efforts to unlock the vast untapped potential in bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Vietnam. Referring to recent trade figures, he highlighted that in FY24, Pakistan's exports to Vietnam stood at approximately US$356 million, while imports from Vietnam were around US$285 million, resulting in a rare trade surplus for Pakistan. 'Despite this positive development, there remains substantial room for expanding our commercial ties in a structured and strategic manner', he added. Arfeen proposed that Pakistan's local industries, particularly in textiles, apparel, agriculture, chemicals, and SMEs, can benefit significantly by learning from Vietnam's experience in industrial modernization, technological advancement, and efficient value chains. Joint ventures and technical partnerships can help boost local production, reduce import dependence, and improve global competitiveness. He further noted that Pakistan and Vietnam can tap into high-potential sectors including IT, minerals, seafood, and tourism. 'Vietnam has established itself as a major seafood exporter, and Pakistan, with its immense but underutilized aquaculture potential, can pursue joint ventures to facilitate technology transfer and export enhancement', he said. Highlighting Pakistan's key export products such as cotton fabrics, home textiles, apparel, synthetic textiles, denim, rice, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, chemicals, leather, and plastics, he stressed the need to expand market reach beyond traditional destinations. 'ASEAN is a $4 trillion market, but Pakistan's trade is mostly limited to Indonesia and Malaysia. Strengthening ties with Vietnam can be our gateway into the broader ASEAN region', he added. The meeting was attended by Head of Vietnam Trade Mission Ms. Nguyen Thi Diep Ha, KCCI Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, former President Majyd Aziz, and members of KCCI's Managing Committee. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
