KEY POINTS
- Delegation to meet the UN chief and OIC members in New York
- Pakistan delegation to visit Washington from June 3 to 6
- Delegation’s schedule also includes visiting EU capitals
ISLAMABAD: A nine-member high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation has arrived in New York to meet United Nations officials and counter India’s narrative regarding the recent military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Pakistan’s former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is heading the high-level delegation.
The delegation also included Pakistan’s former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Bushra Anjum Butt, Tehmina Janjua, and Jalil Abbas Jilani.
The delegation will present Pakistan’s perspective on the recent military confrontation with India and counter New Delhi’s narrative on the conflict.
During their stay in New York until June 2, the delegation is scheduled to meet United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang, and members of the UN Security Council.
The Pakistani delegation will also brief members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and engage with the UN Correspondents Association. Consultations are also planned with representatives from the Organization of Non-Aligned Countries (NAM). These engagements are part of Pakistan’s efforts to highlight its stance on the ongoing conflict and regional issues.
Following their engagements in New York, the delegation will proceed to Washington, DC, on June 3, where they plan to meet US officials, including members of Congress and representatives from think tanks, to discuss bilateral relations and regional security concerns.
This diplomatic initiative follows a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10, brokered with the assistance of the United States, after a period of heightened tensions.
The Pakistani delegation’s visit underscores Islamabad’s commitment to peaceful resolution and proactive engagement with international stakeholders.
The delegation’s itinerary also includes plans to visit European capitals to further articulate Pakistan’s position on the regional situation and strengthen diplomatic ties.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituted the Pakistani delegation with the mandate to counter Indian propaganda and inform the international community about the causes of recent hostilities and Pakistan’s commitment to peace.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in a statement on social media platform X, said he had accepted the responsibility to represent Pakistan on the global stage and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the country during these challenging times.
The recent flare-up between Pakistan and India followed a series of incidents, including the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir, on April 22.
Indian media outlets accused Pakistan of involvement without any credible evidence, an allegation Islamabad has consistently denied.
On the night of May 6-7, India launched air strikes across the Line of Control, prompting Pakistan to respond with effective air defence and downing of Indian aircraft.
Subsequently, Pakistan conducted Operation Banyān-um-Marsoos, targeting Indian military installations on May 10.
