Pakistan’s Parliamentary Delegation interacts with International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation, led by Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party and former Foreign Minister, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari , held a focused interaction at International Institute of Strategic Studies, one of the world’s premier think tanks on defence and security.
The session, moderated by Desmond Bowen, Associate Fellow for South and Central Asian Defence, Strategy and Diplomacy at International Institute of Strategic Studies, brought together a distinguished audience of policymakers, academics, strategic analysts, and media professionals.
During the engagement, the delegation apprised the participants of the recent escalation in South Asia, voicing serious concern over India’s unprovoked military strikes that resulted in civilian casualties and posed a significant threat to regional peace and stability. They underscored that these strikes constituted a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, international law, and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. It was emphasized that Pakistan, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter, exercised its inherent right to self-defence through a measured and proportionate response, intended to demonstrate its legitimate right, firm resolve, and capability to safeguard its territory and protect its people.
In his remarks, Mr. Bilawal strongly denounced India’s unilateral and illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, terming it a flagrant breach of international obligations and a direct threat to the water security of over 240 million Pakistanis. He noted that the weaponisation of water undermines international norms and sets a perilous precedent. He urged the international community to take notice of this alarming development and make India accountable for its actions.
Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the core issue in India-Pakistan relations. The delegation urged the international community to support meaningful dialogue and ensure respect for international commitments and human rights. Pakistan always advocated for constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue for resolutions all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation also engaged in a candid Q&A session, responding to a range of queries from participants, addressing concerns related to regional tensions, Pakistan’s diplomatic approach, and its broader vision for peace, stability, and cooperation in South Asia.
The other members of the delegation included: Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik ; Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and former Minister for Information and Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman ; Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar ; former Minister for Commerce, Defence and Foreign Affairs, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan ; MQM's Parliamentary Leader in the Senate and former Minister for Maritime Affairs, Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari ; and Senator Bushra Anjum Butt , Former Foreign Secretaries, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani , who also served as Caretaker Foreign Minister, and Ambassador Tehmina Janjua .
Published on : June 09, 2025
Last Update : June 09, 2025