Islamabad: Pakistan’s opposition leader and chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, recently participated in a “Meet the Press” event at the National Press Club in Islamabad, highlighting his diplomatic successes and reaffirming the party’s stance on regional peace and national sovereignty. His visit was marked by a warm reception, with him planting a tree in the NPC’s lawns and receiving a charter of demands and a commemorative shield from the organization.
During the event, senior PPP leaders and prominent journalists, including former Senate Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Sheri Rahman, Shazia Mari, and Jamil Soomro, were present. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President, Afzal Butt, congratulated Bilawal on his diplomatic achievements, emphasizing the crucial role he played in showcasing Pakistan’s narrative on the international stage. Butt credited the PPP chairman’s leadership for securing significant diplomatic wins, and commended Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for his strategic decision to lead the diplomatic delegation.
In his address, Bilawal articulated pride in Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, particularly regarding the recent military successes against India and the subsequent positive international response. He highlighted the evident disparity between India’s false narrative and Pakistan’s firm stance rooted in truth. The chairman underscored the significance of Pakistan’s military victory, describing the Indian aggression as a “horrific” chapter that ended with India’s retreat and disappointment on the global stage. He also praised the Pakistani media for their role in defending national interests and refuting misinformation abroad.
Bilawal reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that if negotiations fail, Pakistan has every right to assert control over its rivers — the six Urdu-speaking rivers — emphasizing that the younger generations of Pakistan and India are committed to peace and will reject war messages. He criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aggressive rhetoric and pointed out India’s strategic miscalculations, such as underestimating Pakistan’s military response and diplomatic resilience.
Highlighting the broader geopolitical context, Bilawal announced that Pakistan’s diplomatic teams have been assigned the task of advocating for peace worldwide. He stressed the importance of truthfulness in politics, lauded the Pakistani media for their honesty and professionalism, and contrasted it with India’s propaganda-driven approach.
The PPP leader also reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance on Kashmir, emphasizing successful diplomatic efforts that have shifted international perspectives on the conflict. He referenced recent victories in the FATF framework and international forums, where Pakistan has been recognized as a key partner in the fight against terrorism. Bilawal criticized India’s attempts to brand Pakistan as a terrorist state and noted that global powers, including the United States, recognize Pakistan’s contributions in combating terrorism.
Addressing regional security concerns, Bilawal expressed confidence that India’s ambitions to become a regional hegemon are unwarranted, citing Pakistan’s decisive response to Indian aggression, including downing Indian aircraft. He rejected the Indian narrative of war and praised Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region. The speech also touched on the Kashmir issue, with Bilawal highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic successes and international recognition of Kashmir as a complex geopolitical matter.
Regarding global issues, Bilawal condemned Israel’s human rights violations amid ongoing violence and expressed that Pakistan’s current government and military do not recognize Israel, adhering to traditional Pakistani policy. He emphasized that Pakistan insists India complies with international law and United Nations resolutions.
In summary, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s remarks reinforced Pakistan’s diplomatic resilience, military strength, and advocacy for peace, asserting that the country remains committed to defending its sovereignty and pursuing regional stability amid ongoing tensions.
