Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Advocates for Peace During U.S. Visit
Washington, D.C. – In a powerful and forward-looking statement during his official visit to the United States, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that he harbors no hostility towards the Indian people or their youth. Addressing a gathering at the Middle East Institute, a prominent U.S.-based think tank, Bilawal made it clear that he does not want future generations — whether in Pakistan or India — to inherit a legacy of conflict, animosity, or war over long-standing issues like water disputes, Kashmir, or terrorism.
“I don’t want my children or the young Indian generation to fight over water, Kashmir or terrorism,” Bilawal said. “I don’t want to hand over the people of my nation to such a future.”
A Vision of Peace Through Diplomacy
Bilawal Bhutto, who is currently leading a high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan to the United States, declared that Pakistan’s mission is peace — a peace that should be achieved not through war or threats, but through diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual understanding with India.
He underscored the importance of direct communication and emphasized that lasting peace in South Asia can only be built on the foundations of conflict resolution, economic cooperation, and mutual respect for international laws.
Criticism of India’s Aggressive Posture
In his address, Bilawal strongly criticized what he described as the belligerent and ultra-nationalist rhetoric emanating from the Indian leadership. He warned that such narratives only fuel regional tensions and jeopardize future prospects for peace.
“They are forcing my generation and future generations to fight, not only over Kashmir and incidents of terrorism, but even over the most basic of resources — like water,” he stated, referring to threats made by Indian officials regarding Pakistan’s share of the Indus river system under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Kashmir Dispute: A Core Issue
The Kashmir dispute remains central to Pakistan’s foreign policy concerns, and Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position. He criticized India for its violations of UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and accused New Delhi of dismissing the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Highlighting recent developments, Bilawal Bhutto welcomed the renewed global focus on Kashmir, particularly following U.S. mediation offers. These efforts, he claimed, have re-internationalized the Kashmir issue, undermining India’s insistence that the conflict is strictly a bilateral matter.
Call for U.S. Mediation
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the United States to play a more active role in promoting dialogue between India and Pakistan. He noted that despite Pakistan’s willingness to discuss key issues, including terrorism and water-sharing, India has refused to engage in bilateral talks.
“In the absence of dialogue, we believe that a common friend like the United States must step forward and facilitate a constructive process,” he said.
Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Stance
Responding to Indian allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in a recent terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, Bilawal strongly denied any Pakistani role. He pointed out that Pakistan had immediately called for an impartial international investigation, which India rejected.
Bilawal reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm opposition to terrorism and highlighted the evolving threat landscape in the region following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He warned that groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and ISIS have gained strength, posing a shared challenge to both regional and global security.
Water Conflict: A Ticking Time Bomb
Warning the global community, Bilawal said that India’s threats to cut Pakistan’s water supply are deeply concerning and violate the Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960.
“If these threats materialize, it could lead to a full-blown conflict,” he warned. “Water is a life-and-death issue for millions of people. Playing politics with it is not only irresponsible but dangerous.”
He called upon global powers, particularly the United States, to intervene diplomatically to preserve regional stability and uphold international treaties.
Bilateral Military and Diplomatic Flashpoints
Touching upon the recent five-day military escalation between Pakistan and India, Bilawal highlighted that Pakistan had demonstrated its military readiness by shooting down Indian fighter jets and repelling attacks. He said that Pakistan’s response served as a strong reminder that aggression will be met with resilience.
On the diplomatic front, Bilawal emphasized that India’s increasingly aggressive posture has drawn criticism internationally, pushing the issue of India-Pakistan relations into the global spotlight once again.
Vision for Regional Economic Integration
Bilawal lamented the lack of trade and people-to-people contacts between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, despite their shared culture, history, and geography. He suggested that by adopting a peaceful, cooperative approach, the two nations could build an India-Pakistan Economic Corridor — a visionary project that could transform South Asia into a hub of connectivity and prosperity.
“If peace can prevail, then South Asia can become a dynamic engine of growth, not just for Pakistan and India, but for the entire region — including China, Central Asia, and global stakeholders like the U.S.,” Bilawal noted.
Environmental Cooperation: A New Frontier
In a rare departure from traditional security topics, Bilawal highlighted the need for environmental cooperation between the two countries. He proposed joint initiatives to combat floods, water scarcity, drought, and pollution, all of which are shared climate risks that transcend borders.
“We must learn to work together to ensure water security and environmental sustainability. The future of our children depends on it,” he said.
Global Appeal for Support
The Pakistani delegation received a positive response from Washington policymakers and think tanks, according to accompanying parliamentarians. They echoed Bilawal’s message and appealed to world leaders to support Pakistan’s peaceful diplomatic campaign.
“Our message is simple: Pakistan wants peace. But peace must be based on justice, dialogue, and mutual understanding,” a delegation member said.
Conclusion: A Crossroads for South Asia
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s remarks in Washington come at a crucial moment for South Asia, as regional tensions simmer amid rising nationalism and unresolved conflicts. His speech not only emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to engage constructively, but also challenged India and the global community to choose diplomacy over conflict.
By positioning himself as a proponent of peace and cooperation, Bilawal has reinforced his image on the international stage as a progressive voice in Pakistani politics, committed to resolving historical disputes through peaceful means — a vision that, if realized, could transform the future of South Asia.
