Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Takes Center Stage in Global Peace Efforts Amid Tensions with India

In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to advocate for the country's peace initiatives on the global stage. This comes in the wake of heightened military tensions following Operation Sindoor, where India conducted precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure. As India also mobilizes its own delegations to present its stance on terrorism, the dynamics between the two nations continue to evolve. Bhutto-Zardari's role highlights Pakistan's efforts to engage internationally while addressing the ongoing challenges posed by its relationship with India.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 18, 2025, 10:58 IST

Pakistan's Diplomatic Push for Peace

Islamabad: In a strategic move reflecting India's recent diplomatic initiatives, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari with advocating for the nation’s 'case for peace' in international forums.

This decision follows a period of military tension between the two countries, particularly after the four-day Operation Sindoor, which took place from May 7 to 10, during which Pakistan faced significant military pressure.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced on social media that he had been approached by Prime Minister Sharif to lead a delegation for this important mission.

"I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister @CMShehbaz, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times," he shared on X.

This development coincides with India's own diplomatic efforts, where the government has appointed seven Members of Parliament to represent the country in various nations, presenting evidence and articulating India's firm stance against terrorism, particularly in light of the Pahalgam terror attack that precipitated Operation Sindoor.

The Indian delegations, which include notable figures such as Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, are set to engage with key political leaders across North America, Europe, and West Asia.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reiterated that discussions with Pakistan will be limited to terrorism, emphasizing that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain inactive until Pakistan ceases its cross-border terrorism.

Jaishankar also stated that the only Jammu and Kashmir-related issue India is willing to discuss is the withdrawal of Pakistani forces from the areas they occupy illegally.

Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, involved targeted strikes on terrorist facilities across nine locations in Pakistan-controlled territories, leading to four days of intense military engagement until a ceasefire was reached on May 10.

This isn't the first instance of Pakistan mirroring India's actions; recently, Prime Minister Sharif visited a military base in Sialkot, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier visit to the Adampur airbase in Punjab, where he interacted with military personnel.

Sharif's visit included a speech to Pakistani soldiers, claiming a fabricated 'victory' against India during the brief military confrontation.

As the Modi administration in India mobilizes teams for international outreach, Pakistan's attempts to replicate these diplomatic strategies highlight the ongoing tensions and the complex relationship between the two nations.