Pakistan Advocates for Regional Peace at the United Nations

A delegation from Pakistan’s parliament, headed by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, conveyed to the United States the critical need to avert ongoing conflict in South Asia.

This statement was made during a meeting with Ambassador Dorothy Shea, the acting US permanent representative to the UN.

The former foreign minister, accompanied by a distinguished nine-member parliamentary team, is in New York for a two-day visit. Their mission is to articulate Pakistan’s perspective on the recent military tensions with India and challenge New Delhi’s version of events on the global stage.

During discussions, the delegation highlighted Pakistan’s enduring alliance with the US, emphasizing robust collaboration on counterterrorism initiatives and collective efforts to foster regional stability.

Bilawal acknowledged President Donald Trump and his administration for their instrumental role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, both nuclear powers.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s firm dedication to achieving peace, underscoring its proven capability to respond decisively to defend its sovereignty against aggression.

The delegation stressed the significance of upholding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), preventing the use of water as a weapon, and ensuring a sustained ceasefire.

Dialogue is Key

The Pakistani delegation stated, “South Asia cannot endure continuous conflict. Lasting peace necessitates dialogue, particularly concerning Jammu & Kashmir, which remains an unresolved matter on the UN agenda, and collective endeavors to combat terrorism. We must not allow the region’s future to be dictated by confrontation. Diplomacy and collaboration are the only viable path forward.”

Meetings with OIC and China

The parliamentary delegation also engaged with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group of Ambassadors, briefing them on the regional situation in South Asia.

The delegation brought to the OIC Group’s attention the increasing prevalence of Islamophobia in India, the ongoing suppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), disinformation campaigns, and attempts to undermine the Kashmiri people’s legitimate pursuit of self-determination.

“The Muslim Ummah must stand united in rejecting such narratives and advocating for justice,” they asserted.

Bilawal briefed the OIC Group at the UN in New York on the serious repercussions of India’s actions, including its contentious decision to potentially suspend the IWT, which undermines regional stability.

He expressed gratitude to the OIC for its consistent support to Pakistan and appealed for continued collective action to safeguard peace and security in South Asia.

The PPP chairman underscored that a lasting peace is unattainable without an equitable resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, adhering to UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He also expressed appreciation for the OIC’s unwavering support in this regard.

In a separate engagement, Pakistan and China affirmed the need to firmly oppose aggressive actions and unilateral measures that jeopardize regional peace.

This consensus emerged during a meeting between Pakistan’s high-level parliamentary delegation, led by Bilawal, and China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Fu Cong, in New York.

Both parties advocated for advancing peace responsibly in South Asia through enhanced multilateral cooperation.

They voiced a mutual dedication to the peaceful resolution of disputes, multilateral collaboration, upholding the principles of the UN Charter, respecting the sanctity of treaties, and adhering to international law.

The meeting addressed the evolving security landscape in South Asia, particularly in light of recent tensions with India and Pakistan’s consistent endeavors to maintain peace and stability.

During the meeting, Bilawal conveyed sincere appreciation on behalf of the Pakistani people to China for its steadfast support during the recent challenges.

He briefed the Chinese side on the developments following the incident and Pakistan’s measured response to India’s actions.

Bilawal emphasized how India dismissed Pakistan’s offer for a credible and impartial investigation.

He reiterated the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute for achieving lasting peace in South Asia and urged China to facilitate a resolution in accordance with UN resolutions.

He stressed the international community’s need to shift from managing conflict to actively resolving it to ensure lasting peace in the region.

The Pakistani delegation detailed India’s actions, including attacks, targeting of civilians, support for terrorism within Pakistan, and the decision regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.

Meetings with UNSC Members

Pakistan’s delegation also engaged with representatives of UN Security Council member states in New York to address Indian claims.

The delegation shared Pakistan’s viewpoint with representatives from various nations.

The delegation reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to restraint, the revival of the IWT, and initiating dialogue with India, particularly concerning Jammu and Kashmir.

It informed the UNSC members that suspending the IWT could lead to water shortages, food crises, and environmental disasters in Pakistan.

The delegation urged Security Council members to actively support conflict resolution in South Asia.

Delegation head Bilawal refuted Indian allegations with substantiated arguments.

He stated that India’s claims against Pakistan were made without credible investigation or evidence.

Bilawal underscored that India’s actions, including targeting civilians and suspending the IWT, pose a threat to regional peace.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s response was measured, responsible, and in line with the UN Charter.

The UN Security Council members acknowledged Pakistan’s outreach and welcomed its commitment to peace and diplomacy.

They highlighted the importance of de-escalation, respect for international law, and peaceful dispute resolution, emphasizing the UN Charter’s role, particularly in sensitive regions like South Asia.

They recognized the risks of further escalation and stressed the need for diplomatic solutions.

Separately, the delegation met with UNSC President Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, underscoring that sustainable peace hinges on resolving the Jammu & Kashmir dispute per UNSC resolutions.

“The time has come to move from conflict management to conflict resolution,” they added.

The Pakistani representatives also raised concerns over India’s violations of the IWT, which threatens regional stability and the rights of millions of Pakistanis. They urged the UNSC to uphold international law.

The Pakistani group met with the Russian Federation’s Permanent Representative to convey Pakistan’s stance following actions. They highlighted Pakistan’s approach and emphasized the need for a ceasefire and addressing India’s actions regarding water resources.

They urged Russia to support regional stability and a rules-based international order, reiterating the call for dialogue to resolve the Jammu & Kashmir dispute per UNSC resolutions.

India had sent delegations to various countries as part of its outreach, portraying Pakistan and defending its actions, which resulted in civilian casualties.