Bilawal to Lead Global Peace Diplomacy Following India-Pakistan Escalation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed former Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to spearhead Pakistan’s diplomatic mission for peace in the international arena. This move comes amid heightened tensions following a military confrontation with India earlier this month.
The confrontation was triggered by the May 6–7 Pahalgam attack, prompting India to launch air strikes on Punjab and Azad Kashmir. Pakistan responded decisively by intercepting Indian drones, launching counterstrikes, and downing five Indian fighter jets. With tensions peaking, it took U.S. diplomatic intervention to broker a ceasefire on May 10. While Islamabad has since called for dialogue, India continues its aggressive rhetoric.
Bilawal confirmed via X that the prime minister had asked him to lead a delegation to advocate “Pakistan’s case for peace.” Accepting the role, he expressed his commitment to serving Pakistan in these “challenging times.” The PPP added that the delegation will also work to expose Indian aggression and disinformation on global platforms.
Global Reactions and Diplomatic Movements
The recent escalation has brought sharp global focus to South Asia’s volatile security landscape. China voiced unwavering support for Pakistan, while most other nations refrained from openly siding with India. Israel was the only nation to explicitly back New Delhi without aligning it alongside Pakistan. Reports suggest India has begun retaliating diplomatically against countries sympathetic to Islamabad.
Pakistan’s diplomatic delegation, to be led by Bilawal, aims to highlight India’s unilateral aggression and promote peace. Although the full list of participating officials and targeted countries has not yet been disclosed, the mission is expected to visit influential global capitals.
In parallel, India has also launched a counter-campaign, forming seven multi-party delegations to represent its case on terrorism to key international partners, including UN Security Council members.
Shehbaz’s Renewed Peace Offer to India
On the domestic front, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s readiness for peaceful negotiations during a speech at a Youm-i-Tashakur ceremony. Offering a comprehensive dialogue to India, he emphasized the futility of past wars and urged both countries to resolve critical issues like Kashmir and water disputes.
“We have won the war, but we want peace,” PM Shehbaz declared, stressing Pakistan’s losses to terrorism — 90,000 lives and $150 billion in economic damage — and calling for regional cooperation against extremism.
The prime minister’s remarks reflect Islamabad’s diplomatic posture: assertive in defense, but persistent in seeking peace. With Bilawal leading the charge globally, Pakistan aims to shift the international narrative and garner support for de-escalation, dialogue, and regional prosperity.
