Pakistan has announced a 'peace' delegation led by Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in what appears to be a belated response to India's aggressive diplomatic campaign, Operation Sindoor, which has exposed Islamabad's deep ties to terrorism.
On Saturday, Bhutto Zardari revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked him to lead the delegation to present Pakistan's case on the global stage amid escalating tensions with India.
"I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times," Zardari said in a post on Facebook.
The announcement is widely seen as a desperate attempt by Pakistan to counter India's increasingly assertive stance, which has highlighted Islamabad's longstanding support for terrorism. Operation Sindoor, launched on 7 May, targeted multiple terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
The strikes were a direct response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed several Indian soldiers.
Also read: 7 all-party MPs to visit global capitals with anti-terror message
Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and attempted drone attacks along the Line of Control and border regions, prompting India to launch a series of coordinated strikes, targeting radar sites, communication centres, and airfields across 11 Pakistani airbases.
Earlier on Saturday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced India's own diplomatic outreach, with a seven-party delegation set to visit key partner nations, including members of the UN Security Council, later this month to brief world leaders on Operation Sindoor and reinforce India's stance against cross-border terrorism.
"In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero tolerance to terrorism. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences," Rijiju said in a post on X.
The Indian delegation, which reflects a rare display of political unity, includes prominent figures such as Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde.
While Pakistan's delegation is yet to reveal its full line-up, the move is widely seen as a belated attempt to repair its battered international reputation and counter the impact of Operation Sindoor.
Follow us
