Pakistan follows India’s lead again, taps Bilawal Bhutto for global ‘peace mission’

The decision was reportedly made during a telephonic conversation between Pak PM Sharif and Bhutto-Zardari, to present Islamabad’s stance on regional peace and counter what it describes as “Indian propaganda.” (File photo)

In yet another attempt to mirror India’s diplomatic strategy, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly appointed former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to lead a high-profile delegation tasked with promoting Islamabad’s so-called “case for peace” on the global stage.

Former Pakistani FM Bhutto-Zardari confirmed his appointment via social media on Saturday night, saying, “I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister @CMShehbaz, 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," it has been learnt from a Geo News report.

According to a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office, the delegation aims to “expose Indian propaganda” and highlight Pakistan’s efforts toward regional peace, Geo News reported. The decision was reportedly made during a telephonic conversation between Pak PM Sharif and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bhutto-Zardari, to present Islamabad’s stance on regional peace and counter what it describes as “Indian propaganda.”

As per an official statement quoted by Geo News, the Pakistani delegation will include key political figures such as Federal Ministers Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Sherry Rehman, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar.

Others named include Senator Faisal Sabzwari, former foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua, and Jalil Abbas Jilani, a former ambassador to the US and European Union.

The delegation is scheduled to tour major world capitals, including London, Washington, Paris, and Brussels, further mentions the report.

Pakistani Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that a broader parliamentary delegation is also being prepared to visit other key locations, including Russia, to further bolster Pakistan’s diplomatic messaging, states the Geo News report.

Islamabad's latest copycat move comes closely on the heels of New Delhi’s counter-terror diplomacy drive involving bipartisan delegations who will be visiting key global capitals to present India’s stance against cross-border terrorism and spotlight Pakistan’s role in sponsoring it.

This anti-terror initiative involves 51 lawmakers from across the political spectrum visiting 32 countries and the European Union to highlight India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.

Notably, this isn’t the first instance of Islamabad echoing New Delhi’s actions.

Just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur airbase in Punjab and addressed the armed forces with the S-400 air defence system in the backdrop, Pak PM Sharif made a similar visit to the Sialkot military base, claiming “victory” in the four-day military flare-up during Operation Sindoor.

Also Read | PM Modi in Adampur vs Shehbaz Sharif in Sialkot: How two contrasting photos-ops have set the record straight

Sharif, on Friday, also called for a resumption of dialogue with India to address long-standing bilateral issues, including the Kashmir dispute.

While Islamabad continues to advocate for talks with New Delhi on issues ranging from Kashmir to water sharing, the Indian government has maintained that dialogue can only progress once cross-border terrorism is completely and irreversibly halted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently reiterated that the only pending matter on Jammu and Kashmir is the return of territories currently under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.