ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Pakistan had the capability to shoot down 20 Indian aircraft during the recent military escalation but chose to show restraint. He emphasized that Islamabad acted purely in self-defence and within the bounds of international law.
Speaking to overseas Pakistanis during his two-day visit to New York, Bilawal explained that the Pakistan Air Force had locked onto multiple Indian targets but only responded against those that violated Pakistan’s airspace.
“Pakistan reacted very responsibly as a mature nuclear power. We could have dropped 20 planes. But the Pakistani air force restrained themselves. The military high command demonstrated their rationality, and only targeted those six planes that dropped their load on Pakistan,” he said.
Delegation Challenges India’s Narrative
Bilawal is leading a nine-member high-level parliamentary delegation to the United States to convey Pakistan’s version of the recent hostilities and counter India’s stance on the international stage. The delegation includes senior political figures such as Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, Dr. Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, and others.
He stated that India launched strikes on Pakistani territory on May 7, targeting civilian infrastructure including dams, energy facilities, and religious sites—actions Pakistan claims led to civilian casualties.
“Our strikes into India only took place after India fired missile strikes into Pakistani territory as international law and the United Nations Charter provides for our right to self-defence,” Bilawal asserted.
Condemns Unilateral Action by India
Responding to Indian accusations regarding Pakistan’s alleged role in a terror incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Bilawal denied the charges and reiterated Pakistan’s call for an independent investigation.
“India decided to be judge, jury and executioner,” he said, adding that Pakistan had condemned the attack and offered to participate in a neutral inquiry — an offer that was declined by New Delhi.
Warns of Escalation and Global Fallout
The PPP chairman warned that any further missteps in South Asia could spiral into a nuclear crisis with worldwide repercussions.
“A nuclear conflict has implications for the entire world,” he said. “That’s why it’s vital to urge the international community to play its part in ensuring peace and stability.”
Bilawal also raised concerns about India’s alleged breaches of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling for international arbitration to address water rights and ensure fair practices.
Kashmir Central to Dialogue
Reaffirming Pakistan’s long-standing stance, Bilawal said the Kashmir dispute must be a central issue in any comprehensive peace dialogue with India.
“The people of Kashmir have a right to self-determination. They have a right to justice as enshrined under international law and UN Security Council resolutions,” he said.
He warned that continued inaction would only exacerbate tensions in the region. “The longer we allow this wound to fester, the more we continue to ignore the plight of the people of Kashmir,” he added.
Call for Global Mediation
Bilawal concluded by urging world powers—especially the United States—to take a more active role in de-escalating tensions and facilitating diplomatic engagement.
“A war between India and Pakistan is not in anyone’s interest,” he said. “We need a comprehensive peace process based on diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.”
