Pakistani diplomatic envoys touch down in the UK following positive interactions in the United States.
Rocky Diplomatic Tangle: Pakistan's Perspective Unveiled on India
- Diplomacy in a Nutshell: Pakistan vs. India
LONDON has borne witness to a high-level Pakistan delegation, as they've traversed the hallowed halls of the U.S. Congress and Senate, armed with Pakistan's stance on regional peace, disputes with India, and Indian provocations.
The nine-member delegation, spearheaded by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, conducted over 50 meetings in a span of five days, putting forth Pakistan's viewpoint on the welter of regional issues and the confrontations with India. Prominent figures like Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt, and Syed Faisal Subzwari comprised the team.
The diplomatic spat stems from the skirmish between the nuclear powers, ignited by India's actions after the assault in IIOJK's Pahalgam on April 22, which led to fatalities of at least 26 civilians.. India fingered Pakistan as the puppet master of the attack, an allegation rejected by Pakistan's leaders. The incident triggered a series of military confrontations between the neighbors.
Addressing Geo News, Senator Rehman shared that their meetings with American lawmakers elucidated their understanding of Pakistan's position. She declared that everyone agreed that the weaponization of water was perilous and that India's behavior served to propagate an image of an aggressor nation. She conservatively labeled IIOJK as the largest open-air prison.
Sharing the same sentiments, Sherry clarified that their intention was not to chase the Indian delegation as both Pakistan and India took turns visiting the U.S. in sync. She asserted, "Our story is our own story."
Warning a stern note, she asserted that Pakistan would counter If India dared to attack, while underscoring, "Our goal is to foster peace and peace talks."
Pointing out India's poor record, Sherry elucidated that Pakistan carried more complaints against India, suggesting the Indian delegation sought only to malign Pakistan, whereas the Pakistani team intended to narrate Pakistan's narrative.
Subzwari, another member of the delegation, disclosed their itinerary began at the United Nations, where they laid out Pakistan’s case.He expressed a fervent desire for the international community to instruct India that "two nuclear powers cannot progress in such a volatile environment."
He added that India aspired "immunity to commit aggression without proof," citing the Pahalgam incident as instance. Emphasizing Pakistan's plea for a permanent peace, he disclosed they had presented Pakistan's stance to the U.S. State Department and members of parliament, drawing praise for their peaceful approach.
'Life-or-Death': Water Diplomacy intensifies
Simultaneously, Dastgir underscored the critical importance of water for Pakistan's survival and proclaimed that they would never back down from this imperative. In the early stages, Americans doubted that the Trump-mediated ceasefire signified no further intervention was needed. Dastgir, however, clarified that intervention was necessary, as India exhibited no intention of undergoing a neutral inquiry or talks.
Jilani, another delegate, revealed that thoughtful discussions transpired with all members of the UN Security Council. He voiced Pakistan's stance that India had committed aggression against Pakistan, while asserting that Pakistan remains a peaceful nation. He mentioned that Pakistan had long urged India to resolve problems peacefully; however, their efforts had failed. He asserted that Pakistan's reaction to Indian aggression had dealt a severe blow to India's international standing.
Jilani asserted that "Pakistan shot down six Indian planes and disrupted their communication systems, targeting military installations, which sent India's image plummeting." He emphasized that the Kashmir conflict had been thrust into the global spotlight as a result of the recent war.
Meanwhile, Senator Butt informed Geo News about their discussions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty and the Kashmir issue with UN members. She warned that disregarding the Indus Waters Treaty would render any future agreement ineffective and cautioned that war between India and Pakistan would wreak havoc in the entire region. Pointing towards Pakistan’s diplomatic success, she expressed gratitude for a favorable reception in the U.S.
She stated that Pakistan draws a line between a ceasefire and a pause, expressing concern that if the Kashmir and Indus Waters Treaty issues were not resolved speedily, the situation will escalate again within six months, urging U.S. President Trump to play a role in preventing the region from being drawn into another war.
Earlier Saturday, Bilawal asserted that the recent five-day dispute had laid bare India's facade as a so-called "security provider," showing its true colors as a source of insecurity in South Asia.
"India's actions dangerously lowered the threshold for armed confrontation in the region," he said, addressing a luncheon hosted by Pakistan Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed in honor of the Pakistani multi-party delegation. He underscored that India embarked on a war based on falsehoods and was unable to secure a victory therein.
Speaking to the attendees of the luncheon, Bilawal asserted that India had historically portrayed itself to the West, particularly the U.S., as a stabilizing force, justifying foreign aid and defense deals.
"The American taxpayers' dollars fund India's military-industrial complex under the guise of providing regional stability, but these five days of conflict invalidated that notion," he expressed, emphasizing that a stable and peaceful relationship between India and Pakistan was the only path to South Asian security.
The Pakistani delegation, during their meetings with American lawmakers, stressed the urgent need for international intervention in the ongoing water diplomacy between India and Pakistan, pointing out India's perceived aggressive behavior towards water distribution.
In addition to discussing the Indus Watters Treaty, the delegation also highlighted the importance of addressing the Kashmir issue and the need for a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation and potential conflict between the two countries.
