ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan has called for the establishment of a permanent joint investigative forum with India to examine cross-border terror incidents, following heightened tensions after the Pahalgam attack. The proposal was made by former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari during a diplomatic outreach in New York.
Bilawal Urges Neutral Investigations
In an interview with China’s CCTV News, Bilawal emphasized the need for impartial inquiries into incidents like the recent Pahalgam strike, claiming India had carried out “illegal and unilateral strikes” in response. “After the Pahalgam attack, we extended an offer for an impartial investigation,” he said. “However, India rejected it.”
Bilawal proposed a neutral mechanism to examine terrorism-related cases on both sides of the border. “There is a long list of cases where India has been involved in attacks inside Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,” he stated. “A neutral platform could help both sides seek justice and prevent future bloodshed.”
Delegation Pushes Pakistan’s Position Internationally
Bilawal is leading a nine-member high-level parliamentary delegation currently visiting the United States. The group aims to present Pakistan’s version of events in the recent military escalation with India and counter New Delhi’s international narrative.
Members of the delegation include Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt, and Syed Faisal Subzwari.
Self-Defence and Indus Waters Concerns
Addressing claims of military aggression, Bilawal insisted that Pakistan acted in self-defence, stating: “It took one month for the Indian government to admit that we downed their planes.”
He also raised alarm over India’s alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a breach of international law. “Neither side can walk away from the treaty on its own,” he said. “Any change must be agreed jointly through dialogue.” Talks on the treaty remain suspended.
Kashmir and Regional Stability
Bilawal reaffirmed that the Kashmir issue remains central to the conflict, asserting that true regional peace cannot be achieved without addressing it. “If we truly want to end terrorism, we must address its roots. Kashmir is at the heart of this,” he said.
He added that the recent crisis has reignited global awareness about Kashmir, and called on world powers, including the United Nations, to play a more active role. “The Secretary General played a constructive part during the crisis. Now we need a similar effort to secure a just and lasting peace,” he said.
Diplomatic Engagement Over Isolation
Bilawal noted that Pakistan is open to dialogue but alleged that India remains resistant to talks. “There’s only one country that says they’re not willing to talk and that’s India,” he said.
He concluded by stressing the need for multilateral diplomatic pressure to resolve long-standing disputes: “Pakistan is making effort to engage the international community to help establish peace, which must include resolving the issue of Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, and terrorism.”
