ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the importance of dialogue, restraint, and a just resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir conflict to achieve lasting peace in South Asia during his meetings with US congressmen on Wednesday.
Highlighting Indian Aggression and Indus Waters Treaty Suspension
During the discussions, Bilawal briefed US lawmakers on recent unprovoked Indian actions, including attacks targeting civilians and the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), describing the latter as a clear violation of international law.
He appreciated the United States, particularly “President Donald Trump, for his constructive role in helping de-escalate tensions and supporting efforts towards a ceasefire.”
Pakistan’s Commitment to Peace and Regional Stability
The Pakistani delegation reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on regional peace, counterterrorism, and rejection of baseless allegations. They stressed the urgency of resuming dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir—an unresolved issue under United Nations mandates—and called for respect for international law, UN Security Council resolutions, and the IWT.
Members of Congress welcomed the delegation and urged both Pakistan and India to exercise restraint and prioritize peace and stability in the region. They also reiterated US support for Pakistan’s people and commitment to assisting the country’s economic progress.
Delegation Members and Additional Engagements
The delegation included notable figures such as former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Khurram Dastgir, Senators Sherry Rehman, Musadik Malik, Faisal Sabzwari, Bushra Anjum Butt, and senior diplomats Jalil Abbas Jilani and Tehmina Janjua.
Bilawal also engaged in conversations with Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, and Senator Jim Banks.
On social media, Bilawal shared that he had a “constructive exchange with Senator Chris Van Hollen on Pakistan’s deep concerns over India’s increasingly belligerent posture and its refusal to engage, whether through dialogue, joint investigation, or third-party facilitation.”
He further acknowledged the “critical peacemaker role played by President Trump in facilitating the ceasefire understanding, intended as a pathway to broader, sustained peace and dialogue.”
Prior Meeting with UN Secretary-General
A day earlier, the delegation met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the United Nations headquarters in New York, urging urgent international efforts to prevent further escalation in South Asia.
Background of the Visit
Bilawal-led delegation has been in the United States since June 1 to update American leaders and UN officials on the evolving South Asian situation following recent armed conflict with India. Their engagements also included sessions with US think tanks and the Pakistani diaspora in the country.
