As tensions between India and Pakistan persist, a high-level Pakistani delegation has arrived in London, urging world powers to play a proactive role in resolving long-standing regional conflicts. This follows a diplomatic tour that began in the United States, aimed at presenting Pakistan’s viewpoint on issues ranging from Kashmir to water rights.
Seeking Global Support for Peaceful Dialogue
The Pakistani delegation includes prominent political figures such as former foreign ministers Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Hina Rabbani Khar, and Khurram Dastgir, alongside senior diplomats and senators. The team is now in the UK after initial engagements in New York and Washington, with plans to continue their advocacy efforts in Brussels.
Speaking to Geo News, Khurram Dastgir emphasized that while the U.S. believes mediation is no longer necessary after President Donald Trump helped broker a ceasefire, Pakistan’s mission was to explain why continued global involvement is essential. “We made it clear that without intervention, the situation could spiral towards conflict,” he warned.
Concerns Over Regional Stability and Water Disputes
Senator Faisal Subzwari echoed this sentiment, calling on world powers to recognize the risks posed by escalating hostilities between two nuclear-armed neighbors. “This isn’t just a regional issue—it’s a global concern,” he stated.
Sherry Rehman, a former ambassador to the U.S., described the diplomatic meetings as “very encouraging,” particularly regarding concerns over India’s alleged use of water resources as a political tool. She referred to Indian-administered Kashmir as the “world’s second-largest open-air prison after Gaza” and stressed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful diplomacy.
Narrative vs. Propaganda
Rehman highlighted that Pakistan’s mission was to advocate for its own interests without engaging in a smear campaign against India. “Unlike India’s delegation, which seems focused on maligning Pakistan, we came to share our side of the story,” she said.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt added that the response from U.S. and UN officials on issues like Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) had been “overwhelmingly supportive.” She stressed that undermining international treaties like the IWT could have far-reaching consequences for global diplomacy.
Promoting Peace Amid Political Posturing
Former diplomat Jalil Abbas Jilani reiterated that Pakistan is advocating for peace, not conflict. “India’s recent actions amount to aggression,” he said. “Our message remains clear—we seek a diplomatic and peaceful path forward.”
The delegation also praised what they perceived as a shift in Washington’s understanding of the regional dynamics. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif even referred to President Trump as “a man of peace,” expressing hope that the U.S. would continue to facilitate dialogue.
A Diplomatic Tug-of-War
This outreach effort comes amid India’s own global campaign. New Delhi has dispatched several multi-party delegations to key allies and members of the UN Security Council to push its narrative on cross-border terrorism and to strengthen international alliances.
India’s delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, has included representatives from across the political spectrum. During their visit, they met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, as well as senior lawmakers from the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees.
Pakistan’s presence on Capitol Hill was equally prominent. The delegation met with members of Congress and representatives from influential think tanks to share their concerns and seek support for a peaceful resolution of disputes with India.
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