Latest news with #BBhuttoZardari
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal urges dialogue as delegation wraps up Brussels visit on Indian aggression
Pakistani delegation, led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, concluded its Brussels tour, calling on European leaders to assist in de-escalating tensions with India following a fragile ceasefire in May. The delegation was formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to present Islamabad's perspective on its recent conflict with India. The tour aimed to garner international support, particularly from the European Union, in preventing further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. "We must steer the region back from the brink of war," Bilawal said in a statement on social media, urging Europe to act as a champion of the rules-based international order. Wrapped up our high-level peace mission to Brussels. Engaged transparently and across the board, with the EU Parliament, Commission, Belgian leadership, think tanks & media. Brought Pakistan's message of restraint and dialogue after a fragile ceasefire, warning of the lowest-ever… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 14, 2025 During their Brussels visit, the delegation met with EU parliamentarians, the EU Commission, Belgian leadership, international think tanks, and foreign media outlets. The delegation pushed for dialogue and counterterrorism cooperation with India, emphasising the dangers of a nuclear conflict. He also highlighted the challenges posed by India's suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the shared use of the Indus river system. The Pakistani delegation expressed grave concerns about India's "weaponisation" of water resources and called for restraint after the ceasefire agreement brokered by Washington in May. 'Europe, as a champion of international law, must help us de-escalate this situation,' Bilawal said. He also raised concerns about the risk of further water conflicts, noting that the Indus Waters Treaty had yet to be revived despite the ceasefire. Today we wrapped up the Brussels diplomatic tour with @BBhuttoZardari who led the delegation with exceptional energy, maturity and brilliance. As some of us head back to Pakistan,others will carry on to Strasbourg with the mission. It's been 2 relentless weeks of non-stop… — SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) June 14, 2025 Sherry Rehman, a prominent member of the delegation, said that while some members would return to Pakistan, others would visit Strasbourg for further discussions. She stressed that the global diplomatic framework must be restored to counter growing strains on international law.
Express Tribune
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Avoiding talks will hurt India's own interests: Bilawal
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari during an interview with Sky News on June 9, 2025. Photo: Sky News/ YouTube Listen to article Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged India to return to the negotiating table, warning that continued avoidance of dialogue would only harm regional peace and India's own interests. 'All outstanding issues between Pakistan and India can only be resolved through comprehensive dialogue,' he said. 'If India does not come to the table, it will not be in their favour.' Speaking in an interview with German broadcaster DW Urdu during a visit to Brussels on Sunday, former foreign minister warned that any attempt by India to block Pakistan's water supply would be seen as an existential threat, leaving Pakistan with no option but war. پاکستان اور بھارت کے درمیان تمام مسائل کا حل جامع مکالمہ ہے اور اگر بھارت مذاکرات کی میز پر نہیں آتا تو یہ ان کے اپنے ملک کے مفاد میں نہیں۔@BBhuttoZardari — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 15, 2025 Bilawal, who is leading a parliamentary delegation to the West, also urged the international community a day earlier to bring India to the table for talks and to play its role in ensuring lasting peace in South Asia — including resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute, water issues, and terrorism — through a composite dialogue, which he said India was unwilling to pursue. 'Such actions pose an existential threat to Pakistan, water is our lifeline, and we will never relinquish our rightful share under any circumstances,' he said. He termed India's threats to cut off water as a "clear violation of the United Nations Charter" and a "breach of the Indus Waters Treaty", calling it Pakistan's 'red line.' 'If India resorts to water aggression, Pakistan will be left with no choice but war,' he said. بھارت کی طرف سے پانی روکنا واقعی جوہری جنگ کا باعث بن سکتا ہے۔ پاکستانی سفارتی مشن کے سربراہ اور چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے برسلز میں ڈی ڈبلیو سے گفتگو میں کہا ہے کہ سندھ طاس معاہدے کی کھلی خلاف ورزی پاکستان کی ریڈ لائن ہے۔@BBhuttoZardari — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 15, 2025 The PPP chairman emphasised that while Pakistan does not seek war, it will not compromise on its national security or water rights. 'Despite India's involvement in supporting terrorist activities inside Pakistan, we have never advocated for war as a response to terrorism,' he added. Bilawal reiterated that while Pakistan continues to advocate peace, issues like water security are non-negotiable. After ceasefire with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Bilawal to lead a high-level delegation tasked with presenting 'Pakistan's case for peace' on recent Indian aggression to the international community. Read More: Bilawal vows strong response if India builds dams on rivers flowing into Pakistan The committee aims to engage with global leaders and institutions to raise awareness about India's actions and Pakistan's concerns regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. The government has also planned to send additional delegations to other countries as part of a broader diplomatic outreach.
Express Tribune
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India's unilateral suspension of IWT could destabilise regional peace: Bilawal
Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto with All Party Parliamentary Group and cross-party British parliamentarians on June 10. Photo : Listen to article Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, head of Pakistan's parliamentary delegation to the United Kingdom, has firmly rejected India's allegations against Pakistan, calling them baseless and unsupported by credible evidence, following the recent Pahalgam incident. After successfully completing their visit to the United States, the Pakistani delegation arrived in the United Kingdom on Sunday to present Pakistan's stance on Indian aggression. The nine-member group held talks with United Nations representatives, diplomats from member states, and senior US officials in an effort to present Pakistan's narrative on the recent Pakistan-India conflict and advocate for peace in South Asia. At Westminster, led Pakistan HL Delegation to brief the UK APPG on Pakistan, grateful to Chair @YasminQureshiMP and cross-party MPs for the candid exchange. We shared grave concerns over India's unprovoked aggression, violations of our sovereignty, and the unilateral & illegal… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 10, 2025 Speaking at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Pakistan, hosted by Member of Parliament Yasmin Qureshi at Westminster Palace in London on Tuesday, Bilawal addressed cross-party British parliamentarians, briefing them on Pakistan's stance. "Indian attacks on civilians, violations of Pakistan's sovereignty, and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could lead to dangerous consequences for regional and international peace," Bilawal said. He criticised India's unilateral actions and urged a renewed commitment to peace and dialogue. "We are committed to a calibrated, responsible response in line with international law, particularly the right to self-defence under the UN Charter," he affirmed. He stressed Pakistan's dedication to restraint and called for a renewed dialogue, focusing on all outstanding issues, notably the Kashmir dispute. Together with Pakistan's high-level delegation, I called on Speaker @LindsayHoyle_MP at the historic Speaker's House. We underscored the urgent need for peace in South Asia and highlighted the unfinished agenda of the partition, Jammu & Kashmir dispute. Raised serious concerns… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 10, 2025 In his meeting with Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, former foreign minister expressed Pakistan's concerns over India's unwarranted military strikes against civilians and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He urged for the protection of the sanctity of international treaties and warned against the "weaponisation of water." The delegation emphasised that sustainable peace in South Asia could only be achieved through a just resolution of the Kashmir issue, as outlined by the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. The Speaker of the House of Commons acknowledged the longstanding, cordial relations between the UK and Pakistan and reiterated the UK's commitment to peace and stability in the region. Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Malik also highlighted the environmental dangers posed by India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He warned of significant threats to food security and the livelihoods of Pakistan's 240 million people, particularly in its agrarian economy. The facts need to matter ... — SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) June 10, 2025 Senior leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and member of Pakistan's parliamentary delegation visiting the United Kingdom, Senator Sherry Rehman, also reiterated that Pakistan is committed to promoting peace and reducing tensions in the region. In an interview with Sky News, Rehman emphasised that while Pakistan seeks peace, it should not be perceived as a sign of weakness. "We do not want regional conflicts to escalate into crises, but our desire for peace should not be mistaken as vulnerability," she said. She clarified that Pakistan's diplomatic engagements in the United States and the United Kingdom aim to ensure the international community receives an accurate portrayal of the situation. "The purpose of our diplomatic visits is to keep the facts intact and provide a truthful account of events," she said, highlighting Pakistan's active role in international dialogue. Read More: Bilawal warns Pakistan-India war threshold at 'historic low' Addressing the recent tensions with India, Rehman described the conflict as unnecessary and unprovoked, attributing its origins to Indian actions. She also criticised certain Indian media outlets for exacerbating tensions by spreading misinformation and aligning with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationalist agenda. "These media outlets are stoking war rhetoric and propagating false reports," she said. Senior PPP leader also drew attention to Pakistan's significant counter-terrorism efforts, acknowledging that the country faces one of the highest rates of terrorist attacks globally. She affirmed that Pakistan continues to work tirelessly to combat terrorism and ensure regional stability. "Pakistan is committed to peace and security, and we are doing everything in our power to counter terrorism and promote stability in the region," she concluded. Read More: PM assigns Bilawal to lead peace delegation After ceasefire with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Bilawal to lead a high-level delegation tasked with presenting 'Pakistan's case for peace' on recent Indian aggression to the international community. The committee aims to engage with global leaders and institutions to raise awareness about India's actions and Pakistan's concerns regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. The government has also planned to send additional delegations to other countries as part of a broader diplomatic outreach.
