Following India's recent diplomatic initiatives after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has announced plans to send its own delegation abroad to advocate for "peace." This move is widely perceived as an attempt to mirror India's actions and salvage Pakistan's international image, which has been tarnished by accusations of supporting terrorism.
The announcement came shortly after India revealed its plan to dispatch seven all-party delegations to key global capitals to brief foreign governments on Operation Sindoor and India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, according to reports. The operation was launched in response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
In response to India's actions, Pakistan reportedly launched retaliatory shelling and attempted drone strikes, prompting India to conduct targeted attacks on Pakistani military infrastructure, including radar systems and communication nodes.
According to news reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has entrusted Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and former Foreign Minister, to lead the "peace" delegation. Bhutto Zardari confirmed this on social media, stating that he was honored to accept the responsibility and remained committed to serving Pakistan during these challenging times. The delegation is expected to include prominent figures such as Energy Minister Musadik Malik, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Khurram Dastgir Khan, Senator Sherry Rehman, former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Faisal Subzwari, former foreign secretaries Tehmina Janjua and Jalil Abbas Jilani. The delegation's itinerary is expected to include visits to major world capitals, including London, Washington, Paris and Brussels.
India's all-party delegations, comprised of parliamentarians, senior politicians, and diplomats, aim to present a united front against terrorism and share details of Operation Sindoor. These delegations will be led by prominent leaders such as Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena). The Indian delegations will visit key global capitals, including members of the United Nations Security Council, to advocate for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
Pakistan's move is seen by many as a desperate attempt to repair its damaged international reputation, especially in light of accusations of its long-standing support for terrorism in the region. However, Bhutto Zardari's delegation is likely to face significant diplomatic challenges, given the credibility issues Pakistan faces, particularly after its retaliatory actions following Operation Sindoor.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reiterated that any future dialogue with Pakistan would focus solely on the issue of terrorism and the retrieval of areas under Pakistan's illegal occupation. He also indicated that the Indus Waters Treaty would remain in abeyance until cross-border terrorism backed by Islamabad is verifiably stopped.
