Pakistan has imitated India yet again. This time, it has copied India’s seven-member led delegations formed for global diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, which the Indian armed forces launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. Hours after India’s announcement, Pakistan announced its own ‘peace mission’ and appointed former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to lead the effort.
“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,” said Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chair Bhutto-Zardari in a post on X. PPP is an ally of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Geo News reported that Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, in a phone call, assigned former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to head the delegation for the ‘global peace mission’.
As per the official announcement, the parliamentary delegation will have several prominent figures, including Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Sherry Rehman, and Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar. It added that Senator Faisal Sabzwari, former foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua, and former ambassador to the US and EU Jalil Abbas Jilani will also be part of the delegation.
The delegation, headed by the PPP Chairperson, is expected to travel to major world capitals such as London, Washington, Paris, and Brussels.
The outlet further reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed the development. He said that the delegation would soon visit the United States, the United Kingdom, Brussels, France, and Russia to highlight Pakistan’s perspective on the recent Indo-Pak tensions.
India to send 59 MPs, diplomats to 32 countries & EU
A total of 59 Members of Parliament, former ministers, and leaders from across party lines, along with former diplomats, will form seven delegations set to visit 32 countries and the European Union.
The delegations will be led by seven MPs. These are – Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Baijayant Panda, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Supriya Sule, and Shrikant Eknath Shinde.