Pakistani delegation arrives in UK after US visit; talks on India conflict
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Islamabad: A delegation from Pakistan, led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has arrived in the United Kingdom following diplomatic discussions in New York concerning the recent military conflict with India, news agency PTI reports.
The nine-member delegation met with United Nations representatives, diplomats from various member states, and senior U.S. officials to present their perspective on the conflict following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In retaliation, Islamabad launched military action, resulting in clashes between the two countries defences, the agency reported quoting media reports.
Former Pakistan foreign secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, a member of the delegation, said that Pakistan's message was clear: it seeks peace. He added that Islamabad aims to resolve all issues, including those related to the Indus Waters Treaty, through dialogue.
Another member of the delegation, lawmaker Khurram Dastgir, called for the restoration of the 1960 World Bank-mediated treaty, which India has suspended until Pakistan ceases its support for terrorism. He emphasized that the water dispute is a matter of survival for Pakistan.
“We explained to US officials that India's suspension of the treaty endangers the livelihood of 240 million people and undermines the region's stability,” he said.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he played a role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, a claim India has consistently denied. Initially, the Americans believed that the ceasefire facilitated by Trump required no additional intervention. However, speaking to the media, Khurram Dastgir stated, “Our mission was to make them understand that intervention is necessary as India wants neither a neutral inquiry nor talks.”
New Delhi has rejected a third-party intervention on bilateral issues with Islamabad.
Senator Sherry Rehman, who was also part of the group, said their main objective was advocating for peace and ensuring the water treaty and Kashmir issue remained on the international agenda.
The delegation which is scheduled to visit the UK also, is expected to meet senior British officials to highlight Pakistan's stance on the conflict and its broader implications.
