In a move that seems to reflect India’s recent strategies, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif has instructed Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to present the nation’s case for peace on the international stage.
This decision comes as Pakistan seeks to establish its position globally, following a challenging four-day military escalation that occurred from May 7 to May 10.
Bhutto announced on X that he had received a call from Shebaz Sharif earlier today, expressing his wish for Bhutto to lead the delegation focused on peace efforts. He said, “I am honored to accept this responsibility and promise to serve Pakistan in these challenging times.”
This situation arises as the Indian government is dispatching delegations to various nations, sharing evidence related to terrorism and its policy of zero tolerance following the recent Pahargam attacks, which led to Operation Sindoah.
The Indian delegations, which include notable politicians and former diplomats like Congress’s Shashi Taroor and BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad, are set to engage with several key capitals in North America and Europe.
However, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has made it clear that discussions with Pakistan will be strictly limited to terrorism-related issues, emphasizing that the Indus Waters Treaty will depend on Pakistan’s cessation of cross-border hostility.
Jaishankar further stated that the only Jammu and Kashmir-related matter New Delhi is willing to address is the illegal occupation of certain areas by Pakistan.
On May 7, India initiated Operation Sindoah, conducting targeted strikes on terrorist infrastructures at nine locations within Pakistan-controlled territories. This action spurred a significant four-day conflict between the two nations, characterized by the use of drones and long-range weaponry, which subsided by May 10.
The last instance of Pakistan mirroring India included a visit by Shebaz Sharif to the military base in Sialkot, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s previous visit to the Adapur Airbase in Punjab, which was focused on engaging with Air Force personnel.
During his visit, Modi highlighted India’s S-400 air defense system, which Pakistan claimed to have shot down.
Shebaz Sharif also addressed soldiers at Sialkot, making claims of triumph over India during the recent aerial confrontation.
This situation reflects a broader trend of Pakistan seemingly adopting Indian strategies to enhance its global diplomatic efforts.
Each delegation will include representatives from various political parties, including those from the opposition and seasoned diplomats.
