Former Pakistan foreign minister cautions that a large-scale conflict with India is nearer than ever following recent clashes.

Former Pakistani Official Warns of Rising Tensions with India

A former foreign minister of Pakistan recently alerted US lawmakers and diplomats about the diminishing threshold for war between Pakistan and India, particularly following recent clashes in Kashmir.

During an interview, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the current chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, expressed gratitude towards the US government’s efforts, including those from President Trump. He noted, “We appreciate the support, but a ceasefire is just the starting point. We ultimately seek assistance for peace through dialogue and diplomacy.”

Zardari, son of the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, stated that the ongoing conflict has made Pakistan significantly less secure. He pointed out that the likelihood of full-scale military conflict between the two nuclear nations is now at its lowest historically.

Following weeks of tension, a US-brokered ceasefire went into effect on May 10, aiming to mitigate hostilities between the two countries.

India has blamed Pakistan for exacerbating the situation, particularly relating to a terrorist attack on April 22 that took 26 civilian lives in the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir. Most victims were Hindus, and Indian officials, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Mithri, have attributed the incident to a terrorist group based in Kashmir.

A delegation from Pakistan that visited Washington indicated a willingness to collaborate with India on counterterrorism efforts, though they firmly denied any involvement in the attack. Zardari mentioned that the Pakistani Prime Minister suggested an impartial international investigation, convinced of Pakistan’s innocence, a view he states is backed by the international intelligence community.

He also raised concerns over India’s threats regarding water supply, describing it as a significant issue that could be perceived as an act of war. “We need to start new dialogues and possibly new treaties, but it’s crucial to adhere to existing agreements, like the Indus Water Treaty,” he emphasized.

Looking ahead, the Pakistani delegation plans to meet with State Department officials and Congress members, as well as engage with British and European diplomats in hopes of fostering lasting peace.

Zardari remarked on the decision to agree to a ceasefire, emphasizing that it was made while the military held an advantage, and that it was just a preliminary step. “I’m hopeful about the President’s commitment to promoting peace here in America. Pakistan is ready,” he stated.