In an effort to draw international attention to India’s recent military escalations and breaches of international norms, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led a senior-level delegation to the United Kingdom.
The visit included pivotal discussions with British lawmakers and government officials, focusing on the need to foster peace and stability in the South Asian region.
Read more: Bilawal Warns of Nuclear Water Conflict Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Warm Welcome in UK Parliament
The Pakistani delegation received a warm welcome at the UK Parliament, where they were hosted by British MP Yasmin Qureshi. They later met with Hamish Faulkner, the UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Highlighting Regional Tensions
In these meetings, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari briefed UK officials on the deteriorating security situation following the April 22 Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent aggressive military actions. He firmly denied India’s accusations against Pakistan, describing them as unfounded and lacking any credible investigation or evidence.
Bilawal condemned India’s unilateral actions, which included attacks on civilians, the killing of Pakistani citizens, damage to infrastructure, and the unlawful suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He warned that these moves could destabilize the entire region, especially given the nuclear capabilities of both countries.
“India is trying to establish a dangerous precedent where force and unilateral decisions override diplomacy and accountability,” he warned.
Appeal for Diplomatic Engagement
Calling for immediate intervention, Bilawal urged the British government to actively support efforts to de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India and to facilitate a constructive dialogue—particularly on the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir issue, which he described as critical to lasting peace.
He also underscored the necessity of restoring the Indus Waters Treaty, arguing that India’s suspension of the agreement threatened the water security of over 240 million people in Pakistan.
“Turning water into a weapon goes against international law and moral responsibility. The world must act to prevent such actions,” Bilawal stated.
UK Supports Peaceful Resolution
Hamish Faulkner commended Pakistan for its measured response amid provocations and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. He emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic engagement to promote long-term stability in South Asia.
Strategic Dialogue Participation
The Pakistani delegation also participated in a special session at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), where Bilawal expanded on Pakistan’s concerns about India’s hostile policies. He reiterated Pakistan’s right to self-defense as outlined in the UN Charter and highlighted the country’s consistent preference for diplomatic solutions over conflict.
“Despite continuous provocations, Pakistan remains a responsible actor committed to peace through dialogue,” Bilawal affirmed.
Delegation Members
The delegation comprised prominent political and diplomatic figures, including Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, Senators Sherry Rehman, Faisal Sabzwari, and Bushra Anjum Butt, along with Hina Rabbani Khar, Khurram Dastgir Khan, and former foreign secretaries Jalil Abbas Jilani and Tehmina Janjua. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, also joined the meetings.
