A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has arrived in New York as tensions with India continue to escalate.
The delegation’s objective is to engage with senior United Nations officials and international representatives, presenting Pakistan’s perspective on recent developments in South Asia.
Official sources indicate that the delegation will remain in New York until June 2.
During this period, Bilawal Bhutto and his team are scheduled to hold meetings with the UN Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, and members of the UN Security Council.
They also plan to consult with representatives from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to articulate Pakistan’s stance on the ongoing conflict.
Following their engagements in New York, the delegation will proceed to Washington, D.C., for a stay from June 3 to June 6. Meetings with senior American officials and prominent think tanks are planned to further discuss the regional situation and seek international support.
This visit is a direct response to a similar Indian delegation, spearheaded by Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, which is also visiting key global capitals to disseminate India’s narrative amidst heightened tensions. India’s diplomatic efforts have included visits to the US, UK, South Africa, Qatar, and the UAE.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituted the Pakistani delegation with a clear mandate: to counter Indian propaganda, inform the international community about the origins of the recent hostilities, and reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to peace.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari affirmed his acceptance of the responsibility to represent Pakistan on the global stage, reiterating his dedication to serving the nation during these challenging times.
The recent escalation between Pakistan and India was preceded by a series of incidents, including the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir, on April 22.
Indian media outlets attributed involvement to Pakistan, an accusation consistently denied by Islamabad. On the night of May 6-7, India launched air strikes across the Line of Control, prompting Pakistan to respond with effective air defense and the downing of Indian aircraft.
Subsequently, Pakistan conducted Operation Banyān-um-Marsoos on May 10, specifically targeting Indian military installations.
A ceasefire agreement was reached shortly thereafter, facilitated by the intervention of then-US President Donald Trump.
