NEW YORK: Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said Islamabad wants peace in South Asia based on dignity and equality, as he arrived in New York leading a high-level parliamentary delegation.
Bilawal, along with a nine-member high-level parliamentary delegation, has arrived in New York, US, on a two-day visit to present Pakistan’s stance on the recent military escalation with India and to challenge New Delhi’s narrative at the global level.
In a video message posted on his X account, Bilawal said: “Today, we have reached New York, where, Inshallah, we will convey Pakistan’s message — that Pakistan seeks peace with dignity and equality at the UN.”
He further said that peace in South Asia was not possible without a solution to the longstanding Kashmir dispute as per the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and in line with UN resolutions.
“We reject terrorism in all forms, yet oppose its misuse as a political tool to target Pakistan. Trade must become a bridge, not a battleground. It’s time for the world to engage, not ignore,” said Bilawal.
The former foreign minister slammed India for using water as a weapon against Pakistan.
Bilawal reiterated that he would inform the world about the violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by India.
He warned that the attack on the Indus River was “unacceptable”.
Meeting with Chinese UN representative
Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leading a Pakistani delegation, has met with China’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Fu Cong.
During the meeting, the former foreign minister and Ambassador Fu Cong discussed India’s aggression and the regional security situation.
Bilawal expressed appreciation for China’s support in the wake of India’s provocative actions. He informed the Chinese delegation about Pakistan’s measured and responsible response following the Pahalgam attack, noting that India had declined Pakistan’s proposal for a neutral and impartial investigation.
He stressed that a just resolution of the Kashmir issue is crucial for achieving lasting peace in South Asia.
Bilawal also urged China to support efforts aligned with UN resolutions and called on the international community to move beyond crisis management toward a peaceful and lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute.
According to reports, the Pakistani delegation will hold meetings with ambassadors from the five permanent and nine non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The delegation will also brief the UN Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, and members of the Security Council on recent tensions with India.
Bilawal will also address a conference at the Middle East Institute, a US think tank, on June 5.
India-Pakistan tensions
Tension between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India swiftly blamed Pakistan without presenting any credible evidence.
Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly denied the Indian allegations as baseless. Pakistan also offered a neutral and transparent international investigation into the incident.
However, New Delhi did not respond to Pakistan’s offer and continued with its aggressive posture.
On the night of May 6-7, India launched a series of air strikes on Pakistan, resulting in civilian casualties.
Pakistan responded firmly and downed six Indian fighter jets and destroyed a brigade headquarters and several military posts. Both sides then exchanged missiles, which stretched over the week.
On May 10, when tensions between the two countries peaked, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached between India and Pakistan.
