Days after stunning military success against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India is gearing up for a mega diplomatic offensive against its nuclear-armed neighbour. Over the weekend, the Centre had announced seven all-party delegations that will visit several countries by the end of May to put forward New Delhi’s stance on terrorism and significance of Operation Sindoor. One of the delegations will be led by career diplomat-turned-politician Shashi Tharoor. Known for his suave articulation, his knowledge on geopolitical matters is unparalleled. The Congress lawmaker enjoys popularity among masses also.
Spooked by the wrath of BrahMos missiles, Islamabad is desperate not to fall out in this race of diplomacy also. Hence, the Shehbaz Sharif administration has also decided to send its own delegations to various capitals around the globe to put as Pakistan’s version of events since May 7.
Latest media reports emerging from Pakistan suggest that Sharif has appointed PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to lead the diplomatic campaign. This puts Bilawal in direct competition with Tharoor. While Tharoor-led delegation will visit the USA, Bilawal will be visiting Europe. However, analysts point out that the PPP chairman may not be able to deliver a Tharoor-like offensive.
For Bhutto-Zardari, the struggles are at home also. Ever since the assassination of his mother Benazir Bhutto in 2007, many expected Bilawal to carry forward the legacy. Born in Karachi in 1988, Bilawal is the eldest and only son of Benazir Bhutto and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. He has two sisters. He spent little time in Pakistan. Raised in London during Benazir’s exile era, he also studied in Dubai and later studied politics at Christ Church at the University of Oxford. An ARY news article says that Bilawal holds a blackbelt in taekwondo also.
In 2012, he made his political debut with an emotional speech about his mother. However, in a country fraught with economic crisis and political bankruptcy, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had not been able to make a mark. Once claimed to be an ace debating champion from the Oxford society, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari faced a lot of criticism for his wonky speech in the Pakistan’s National Assembly. Previously, he had made acerbic remarks after India suspended in the Indus Waters Treaty last month. ‘The Indus is ours and will remain ours - either our water will flow through it, or their blood,’ Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman was quoted as saying.
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