In the wake of escalating tensions with India, the government of Pakistan has decided to send a high-level diplomatic delegation led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on an international tour to present Pakistan’s position and expose Indian propaganda.
The delegation, comprising prominent political figures and diplomats including Federal Ministers Dr. Musaddiq Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Sherry Rehman, Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Faisal Sabzwari, former foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua, and former ambassador to the US and EU Jalil Abbas Jilani, will visit key global capitals including Washington, London, Paris, and Brussels.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a formal telephonic conversation, tasked Bilawal Bhutto with leading the delegation. Confirming the appointment, Bilawal expressed his honor in representing Pakistan on the global stage during these challenging times.
“I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan’s case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan,” he said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed the government’s decision, stating that separate parliamentary delegations would tour Europe, the United States, and Russia to brief world leaders and officials on Pakistan’s perspective regarding the recent military confrontation.
This move comes shortly after India announced sending seven delegations, led by MPs from various parliamentary parties including Shashi Tharoor and Ravi Shankar Prasad, to countries such as the US, UK, Japan, South Africa, and the Middle East to present their case against Pakistan.
The diplomatic efforts by Pakistan follow a recent ceasefire agreement on May 10, brokered by the United States, after a violent military exchange that lasted over 87 hours.
The confrontation was triggered by an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that killed 26 tourists, for which India blamed Pakistan without providing evidence.
In response to continued Indian aggression and cross-border strikes, Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting multiple Indian military positions with precision and proportionality, according to military officials. The Pakistan Armed Forces reportedly downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, along with several drones.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that Indian strikes resulted in the martyrdom of 53 Pakistanis, including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians.
