Bilawal-led delegation meets UN chief to advance peace, stability in Asia

A high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, led by Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York. The meeting was part of Pakistan’s continued diplomatic outreach in response to recent Indian military actions and growing regional tensions.

During the meeting, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari formally presented a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Secretary-General and expressed appreciation for his consistent calls for restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy in times of crisis.

Bilawal briefed Secretary-General Guterres on Pakistan’s position following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack. He firmly rejected what he described as India’s premature and unfounded allegations against Pakistan, made without credible investigation or evidence.

He highlighted India’s recent unilateral military actions — including strikes targeting civilian areas, resulting in loss of life and damage to infrastructure — as well as its arbitrary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. These actions, Bilawal cautioned, represent a serious escalation with the potential to destabilize the region.

Emphasizing Pakistan’s restrained and responsible response in the face of provocations, Bilawal reaffirmed the country’s commitment to international law, the UN Charter, and the right to self-defense. He warned against India’s efforts to normalize unilateral force and impunity as acceptable conduct in a nuclearized region, calling such a precedent deeply dangerous.

Bilawal urged the Secretary-General to maintain an active role in promoting de-escalation and facilitating meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India. He specifically called for UN support in restoring the full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty and advancing comprehensive talks — especially regarding the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remains central to sustainable peace in South Asia.

The delegation also highlighted the humanitarian consequences of India’s actions, including the potential fallout from any disruption to water flows under the Indus Waters Treaty. They expressed concern over what they termed an emerging “water war” being imposed on Pakistan, in clear violation of international law and the UN Charter.

In response, Secretary-General Guterres welcomed Pakistan’s expressed desire for peace and reaffirmed the United Nations’ deep commitment to supporting regional stability. He reiterated the UN’s readiness to assist in any efforts that contribute to de-escalation, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.

The Secretary-General assured the delegation that the United Nations remains fully engaged in efforts to maintain peace and promote diplomacy in South Asia.