BRUSSELS: Former foreign minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned that tensions between Pakistan and India will continue to rise unless both nations return to the negotiation table.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Bilawal criticised New Delhi for consistently avoiding dialogue. “India always runs away from negotiations. A ceasefire has been signed, but peace remains elusive,” he said, expressing concern over growing regional instability.
Bilawal is currently leading a high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation to the European Union to counter Indian propaganda following the recent conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The visit follows earlier diplomatic engagements in Washington, New York, and London.
The delegation aims to present Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir and advocate for a peaceful resolution based on UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Bilawal reiterated that despite the May 10 ceasefire — following Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Pakistan’s defensive response to Indian aggression — true peace remains out of reach. “Pakistan wants peace. War is not the solution,” he stressed, warning of dire consequences if hostilities continue unchecked.
The former FM condemned India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an attempt to weaponise water. “India’s threat to halt water flow is a dangerous provocation. Pakistan will not remain silent in the face of such moves,” he warned.
The conflict escalated after India blamed Pakistan for the April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. Pakistan denied involvement and accused India of unjustified military action, prompting a forceful response that led to the downing of six Indian fighter jets.
“Despite nuclear deterrence, tensions have rapidly escalated. We cannot afford a third world war,” Bilawal stated, urging the international community to push for renewed Pakistan-India dialogue
