Bilawal Emphasizes Dialogue with India for Counter-Terrorism

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that genuine counter-terrorism efforts from India necessitate engagement with Pakistan to resolve outstanding bilateral issues.

During an interview, Bilawal, who spearheaded Pakistan’s outreach to Western countries to challenge New Delhi’s narrative following the tensions, accused India of pursuing a “new normal” in South Asia, which he considers detrimental to both nations.

He underscored that the fate of 1.7 billion individuals should not rest in the hands of non-state actors. He criticized India for its alleged failure to share evidence related to terrorist incidents with its public, Pakistan, or the global community, noting that India has experienced fewer instances of terrorism compared to Pakistan.

Bilawal reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-held position that Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan, a stance maintained since the era of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

He further alleged that Muslims in India encounter systematic prejudice. “Any Muslim advocating for their rights is labeled a terrorist,” he asserted, adding that a similar approach is applied to Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir.

Bilawal highlighted Pakistan’s active role in combating terrorism. “If India seeks enhanced counter-terrorism measures, it should engage in discussions with Pakistan to achieve a resolution,” he reiterated. He also raised Pakistan’s concerns regarding India’s alleged involvement in terrorist activities within Pakistan.

Addressing a persistent narrative, Bilawal clarified that while Pakistan historically supported certain factions during the 1980s concerning Afghanistan, it has not endorsed such groups concerning Kashmir. “Pakistan upholds the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination under UN resolutions, which does not constitute terrorism,” he concluded.

His remarks followed recent tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations, sparked by India’s accusations against Pakistan regarding the deaths of civilians in the region – allegations strongly refuted by Islamabad.

The surge in hostilities represented a significant escalation before a ceasefire was established.