Following heightened tensions and criticism over its alleged support for terrorism, Pakistan has announced a diplomatic initiative seemingly mirroring India's recent efforts on the international stage. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to lead a delegation to advocate for "peace" amid strained relations with India.
This move comes shortly after India dispatched seven multi-party delegations to represent the country at international forums, aiming to inform global leaders about "Operation Sindoor" and India's stance against cross-border terrorism. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7th in response to the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack and purportedly targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari confirmed his acceptance of the responsibility via a social media post, stating he was "honoured" to present Pakistan's case for peace internationally during these "challenging times." The purpose of the delegation is reportedly to present Pakistan's perspective on the recent rise in tensions between the two nations.
Reports indicate that Pakistan has formed a high-level committee under Bilawal's leadership, including former ministers and diplomats, to support the mission. The delegation is expected to visit key global capitals, including London, Washington, Paris, Brussels, and potentially Russia, to highlight Pakistan's position. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has also confirmed this development.
This initiative is widely perceived as Pakistan's attempt to repair its international reputation, which has been tarnished by accusations of supporting terrorism. Pakistan's credibility has been significantly undermined by its perceived failure to curb terrorism and its retaliatory actions following India's Operation Sindoor, which allegedly targeted terror camps within Pakistani territory.
India's diplomatic outreach involves sending seven all-party delegations to key global capitals, including members of the UN Security Council. These delegations, led by prominent political figures from across the Indian political spectrum, aim to present a united front against terrorism and share details of Operation Sindoor. Some of the leaders include Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, and DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.
Analysts suggest that Pakistan's move reflects a pattern of reactive diplomacy, often mirroring India's strategies. Some view it as a "copy-paste" approach, lacking original initiatives. The appointment of Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is seen as drawing parallels with Shashi Tharoor's role in the Indian delegation, given both leaders' international experience and Western education.
The timing of Pakistan's announcement, shortly after India's, has further fueled the perception of mimicry. However, the delegation led by Zardari is expected to face an uphill battle, as Pakistan's credibility has been severely undermined by its failure to curb terrorism and its retaliatory actions that targeted Indian civilians as its response to Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Despite the ceasefire agreement reached on May 10, 2025, relations between India and Pakistan remain tense. The success of Pakistan's "peace" delegation remains uncertain, given the existing trust deficit and the international community's concerns regarding Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts.
