Bilawal-led Pakistani delegation lands in UK after constructive US meetings

A high-level Pakistani diplomatic delegation has arrived in the United Kingdom after completing a series of constructive engagements with US lawmakers in Washington and New York.

The nine-member delegation, led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, held more than 50 meetings over five days.

These meetings were aimed at communicating Pakistan's perspective on regional peace, its disputes with India, and drawing attention to what it views as India’s hostile actions and provocations. Other members of the delegation included Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt, and Syed Faisal Subzwari.

The latest tensions between India and Pakistan—both nuclear-armed states—intensified following an attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), on April 22.

The incident, in which at least 26 civilians were killed, was labeled by New Delhi as a terrorist act allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan—a claim Islamabad firmly rejected. In the aftermath, India launched strikes on Pakistani territory, leading to several days of military confrontation.

Senator Sherry Rehman said the meetings with American officials were constructive and that many US lawmakers were receptive to Pakistan’s narrative. She emphasized that there was broad agreement that using water as a political weapon posed significant risks. 

"India’s image is increasingly one of a belligerent state," she said, adding that the situation in IIOJK resembles that of an open-air prison.

Rehman also clarified that Pakistan’s presence in the US was independent of India’s, despite both delegations visiting at the same time. “We are here to share Pakistan’s story, not to shadow India,” she asserted. She warned that Pakistan would respond if attacked again, but reaffirmed that Islamabad remains committed to peace and dialogue.

She stressed that Pakistan had numerous grievances with India, accusing New Delhi of engaging in a smear campaign while the Pakistani delegation aimed to promote a peace-oriented message.

Syed Faisal Subzwari, another delegate, said that their diplomatic efforts began at the United Nations, where they advocated for Pakistan’s stance. "Even though we demonstrated military strength, our intent was to extend a hand for peace," he said. He urged the international community to press India toward de-escalation, noting that continued hostility between nuclear neighbors is dangerous.

Subzwari criticized India for seeking impunity for its actions, pointing to the Pahalgam incident and subsequent strikes on civilian targets in Pakistan without offering credible evidence. He expressed hope that the current ceasefire could evolve into a lasting peace.

Pakistan’s message of restraint and regional stability, he noted, was well-received by both the US State Department and members of Congress. "India has failed in its aggressive posturing—while Pakistan has successfully shared its vision for peace in the region," he concluded.