London (TheCOWNews Digital) – Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and former Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, led a Pakistani diplomatic delegation in a special meeting at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London. The event, which brought together prominent global policymakers, strategic analysts, and media representatives, was hosted by Desmond Bowen, Associate Fellow for South and Central Asian Defence, Strategy, and Diplomacy.
The IISS is one of the world’s leading research institutions, focusing on defense, security, and strategic affairs. The meeting was an opportunity for the Pakistani delegation to address key international players regarding the current geopolitical situation in South Asia, particularly India’s actions in the region.
Bilawal’s Concerns Over India’s Military Actions
During his speech, Bilawal expressed deep concern over India’s recent military actions in South Asia, which he described as “unprovoked” and destabilizing. He highlighted that these actions have not only resulted in the loss of civilian lives but have also posed a serious threat to regional stability. Bilawal emphasized the detrimental impact of such military aggression, stressing that it undermines the peace efforts in the region and exacerbates tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan and India.
A key issue raised by Bilawal was India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a move that Pakistan views as a violation of international law and a direct threat to the water security of the country’s 240 million people. The IWT, signed in 1960, has been a critical mechanism for managing water resources between the two nations. Bilawal condemned India’s actions as a blatant disregard for its international obligations and accused New Delhi of using water as a political weapon.
The suspension of the treaty has particularly affected Pakistan’s agricultural sector, with severe consequences for millions of farmers who depend on the Indus River system for irrigation. Bilawal urged the international community to take notice of India’s actions and hold the country accountable for this breach of international law.
Bilawal called on the global community to take immediate action and hold India accountable for its actions, especially in relation to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He stated that the international community must ensure that India adheres to its obligations under the treaty and ceases its destabilizing military actions in the region.
In a pointed remark, Bilawal referred to India’s diversion of water resources as “nuclear water terrorism,” further stressing the importance of international intervention. His statement echoed Pakistan’s long-standing concerns about India’s disregard for the treaty and the potential for escalating tensions over water disputes, which could lead to broader regional instability.
Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to constructive dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict. He called on the international community to support meaningful negotiations between Pakistan and India aimed at resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which has remained a flashpoint for decades.
Pakistan has consistently advocated for a peaceful solution based on the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and in line with international law. Bilawal emphasized that the resolution of the Kashmir issue is crucial for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.
Alongside Bilawal Bhutto, the Pakistani delegation at the IISS included several high-profile political figures, including Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change, Dr. Musadik Malik, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman, former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, former Minister for Commerce and Defence Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan, MQM Parliamentary Leader Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, former Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, and former Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.
Also present at the meeting was Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, who played a key role in facilitating the discussions. The presence of such a distinguished group highlighted the importance of the meeting and the seriousness with which Pakistan views the current regional dynamics.
The meeting at IISS provided an important platform for Pakistan to raise its concerns on the international stage regarding India’s military actions and water management policies. Bilawal Bhutto’s calls for international accountability and support for meaningful dialogue on Kashmir reflect Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and security. The situation in South Asia remains delicate, and it is clear that the actions of one country can have far-reaching consequences for the entire region.
