Pakistan has formally requested world powers to intervene in the resolution of critical issues with its rival, India, amidst ongoing tensions following a recent conflict.
This appeal was made by former Foreign Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during his diplomatic visit to London, where he engaged in several high-profile meetings.
Bilawal is leading a delegation tasked with presenting Pakistan’s perspective on the recent confrontation with India to the international community and countering New Delhi’s unsubstantiated allegations. As part of this global outreach, the team has already visited the United States, is currently in London, and is slated to proceed to Brussels.
The high-level delegation includes former foreign ministers Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Hina Rabbani Khar, and Khurram Dastgir; Senators Sherry Rehman, Musadik Malik, Faisal Subzwari, and Bushra Anjum Butt; alongside seasoned envoys Jalil Abbas Jilani and Tehmina Janjua.
Speaking to Pakistani media in London, Bilawal Bhutto stated: “We had the upper hand [during the conflict]. Despite that upper hand, we agreed to the ceasefire on the condition that there would be further dialogue in the future on all friction points at a neutral location.” When questioned about the potential for an early resolution of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir dispute following the US-mediated ceasefire, Bilawal expressed hope that “moving forward, Trump or his government will keep its promise,” noting Pakistan’s superior defense posture during the conflict.
Bilawal asserted that Pakistan had locked 20 Indian jets but deliberately downed only six, demonstrating restraint for the sake of global peace. He emphasized that Pakistan emerged victorious in the conflict against India and showcased its resilience to the world.
“We hope that at an international level, whether it’s the United States or the United Kingdom, they all would play their role and convince India to resolve our issues through talks,” he said, adding: “We want talks with India on all issues including Kashmir. The solution to all problems starts from Kashmir.”
Bilawal stated that Pakistan had demonstrated its “strength” by taking down six Indian jets, and now, the focus must shift to establishing peace. He clarified that these six jets were the “same as those that dropped their payload,” resulting in civilian casualties. He reiterated that Pakistan had locked 20 Indian jets but showed restraint in the interest of peace.
He further added that throughout the conflict, the country was perceived as a “rational and responsible state.”
Bilawal delivered addresses at both Chatham House and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
At IISS, Bilawal highlighted that India’s actions constituted a clear violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter. He reiterated that the Kashmir dispute remains the “principal stumbling block to lasting peace and stability in the region.” He reiterated the call for global action to support meaningful dialogue and respect for international commitments.
Condemning India’s unilateral and illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Bilawal warned that the “weaponisation of water undermines international norms and sets a perilous precedent.” He urged the international community to acknowledge this “alarming development and hold India to account for its actions.”
“Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state. It has made clear that stopping water will be considered a declaration of war,” he stated.
The delegation also held a meeting with the UK’s Middle East Minister, Hamish Falconer, and his team at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), as confirmed by Faisal on X. Later in the evening, Bilawal and the delegation visited the UK Parliament to engage with Members of Parliament and present Pakistan’s case.
Bilawal specifically pointed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government’s attempts to distort the truth and facts regarding the recent attacks, accusing India of spreading misinformation and disinformation.
“India has accused Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam attack without any evidence. We had offered an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident,” he added.
On April 22, terrorists killed at least 26 civilians in Pahalgam. New Delhi labeled it an “act of terrorism” orchestrated by Islamabad, a claim denied by leaders in Islamabad.
The PPP chairman also commended US President Donald Trump’s mediation efforts in preventing a potential war between the two nations.
“US President’s role in ceasefire is commendable,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, the high-level diplomatic delegation arrived in the UK after concluding a series of productive meetings with US Congress members and senators in Washington and New York.
The delegation, led by Bilawal, participated in over 50 meetings across five days to articulate Pakistan’s stance on regional peace and its disputes with India, while also highlighting New Delhi’s provocations and aggression against Islamabad.
