A high -level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, led by Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former Foreign Minister in Pakistan, held a number of significant meetings with members of the US Congress at Capitol Hill today.
The delegation’s visit emphasizes Pakistan’s commitment to peace, dialogue and partnerships that are built on justice, especially in connection with recent escalations in South Asia.
The delegation includes several prominent members of Pakistan’s parliament and former senior officials such as Mr. Musadik Masood Malik, Minister of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; Senator Sherry Rehman (PPP), chairman of the Climate Change Committee, former Minister of Climate Change and former ambassador to the United States; Senator Bushra Anjum Butt (PML-N); Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar (MNA, PPP), Chairman of the National Assembly Committee Committee for Foreign Affairs and Former Foreign Minister; Senator Faisal Sabzwari (MQM); Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, former Foreign Minister and Defense; Ambassador (R) Jalil Abbas Jilani, former Foreign Minister/Secretary; and Ms. Tehmina Janjua, former Foreign Secretary.
The delegation engaged with a top -notch group of US lawmakers, including a central meeting with Congressional Pakistan Caucus, co -chair of the Rep. Jack Bergman and Rep. Tom Suozzi.
During these discussions, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Members on “India’s recent actions with unprovoked aggression, including targeting civil and deeply, unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a clear violation of international law.”
He expanded appreciation to the United States, especially “President Donald Trump, for his constructive role in helping to cut tensions and support efforts to a ceasefire.”
The former Foreign Minister emphasized that “Sustainable Peace in South Asia is linked to dialogue, restraint and a just solution of the Jammu and Kashmir -tvist rather than enidia or intimidation.”
In separate meetings with other influential members of the congress, the delegation also met individually with senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Congress Woman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), ranked member of the house’s foreign affairs under South and Central Asia; Congress member Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), Member of HFAC; Congress Member John Molenaar (R-Mich), Member of the House Prevision Committee; Senator Jim Banks (R-IND), Member of Armed Services Committee; Senator van Hollen (D-MD); and senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).
Through these engagements, the Pakistani delegation of Pakistan’s principle attitude towards regional peace, the fight against fighting terrorism and recent Indian aggression.
They confirmed “Pakistan’s obligation to peace, responsible behavior and rejection of baseless claims.”
The delegation emphasized “the urgent dialogue about Jammu & Kashmir, an unfinished agenda for the United Nations,” and emphasized the imperative of “respect for international law, UNC decisions and the Indus waters, a lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis now threatened by the dangerous prerequisite for weapons in water.”
Tensions between India and Pakistan, two nuclear armed neighbors, escalated significantly after the deadly attack on April 22 in the Pahaldam area of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India quickly accused Pakistan-based militants of the attack without providing evidence of supporting its claims. Pakistan has strongly denied any involvement in the attack and called for an independent probe.
India The escalated situation implies a number of hostile measures, including the closure of the most important Wagah boundary transition, revocation of all Pakistani visas and taken the unprecedented step of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960-A Agreement, which controls water sharing between the two countries. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the suspension and felt it “an act of war.” In turn, Islamabad sealed its side of the border.
The situation deteriorated further in early May as India launched attacks on Pakistani cities on 6-7. May. In response, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-Un-Marsoos to counter the Indian threat. The military conflict seemed to reach a boiling point until US President Donald Trump sparked an “immediate and full truce.”
Although the violence has subsided since the ceasefire the message, India’s actions remain, especially with regard to Pakistan’s hiking rights, a point of contention, and continues to burn the hostility between the two nations.
Chairman Bhutto emphasized the importance of trade among the countries and called it “a bridge for constructive commitment and improvement of our people.”
Members of Congress welcomed the Pakistani delegation and called on both countries to demonstrate restraint and prioritize regional peace and stability.
They repeated the US support to the population of Pakistan and its obligation to help the country’s economic development.
