In a diplomatic push to highlight India’s recent military provocations and violations of international law, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led a high-level delegation to the United Kingdom.
The visit included crucial meetings with British lawmakers and government officials aimed at promoting peace and stability in South Asia.
The delegation was warmly received at the British Parliament by UK MP Yasmin Qureshi. Later, the Pakistani officials held an important meeting with Hamish Faulkner, the British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Focus on rising tensions in South Asia
During the meeting, Bilawal briefed British officials on the regional security situation following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, and India's subsequent military actions. He categorically rejected India’s allegations against Pakistan, terming them baseless and issued without any investigation or evidence.
If India and Pakistan are to talk about peace, we must address the issue of Kashmir. This has more significance here in the UK. As of course you are all aware, the issue of Kashmir is the unfinished agenda of Partition. It’s also at the root cause of conflict between India and… pic.twitter.com/L4CuuhS0XD
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 9, 2025
He strongly condemned India's unilateral military actions, including attacks on civilians, the martyrdom of Pakistani citizens, destruction of infrastructure, and the illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. These steps, he warned, could destabilize the entire region and pose a grave threat to peace in a nuclear-armed neighbourhood.
"India's attempts to impose a 'new normal' based on force, unilateralism, and a lack of accountability are dangerous and must be confronted," Bilawal cautioned.
Call for dialogue and restoration of treaties
Bilawal urged the UK to play a proactive role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan and facilitating meaningful dialogue — particularly on the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which he said remains central to lasting peace in the region.
He also stressed the urgent need for the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasizing that India's decision to suspend the agreement was a direct threat to the water security of over 240 million Pakistanis.
"Weaponizing water is a violation of international norms. The global community must take notice and hold India accountable," he said.
UK reiterates support for peaceful resolution
In response, Hamish Faulkner appreciated Pakistan’s restraint in the face of provocations and welcomed its commitment to peace and dialogue. He reiterated the UK government’s support for a diplomatic resolution of all disputes and its continued engagement in promoting regional stability.
Delegation attends strategic dialogue
The Pakistani delegation also attended a special session of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), where Bilawal further outlined Pakistan’s concerns regarding India's aggressive posture. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter and emphasized the country’s consistent efforts to pursue peace through diplomatic channels.
“Pakistan remains committed to responsible conduct, despite provocations. We believe in dialogue, not destruction,” Bilawal asserted.
The delegation included key political and diplomatic figures such as Federal Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, Senator Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Senator Faisal Sabzwari, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, former foreign secretaries Jalil Abbas Jilani and Tehmina Janjua.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, was also present during the meetings.
