
Islamabad [Pakistan], May 18 (ANI): Pakistan has moved to counter India’s diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, which exposed Islamabad’s connections to terrorism. In a response seemingly modeled after India’s recent diplomatic efforts, Pakistan has announced a “peace” delegation to present its stance on the global stage.
The move comes after Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked him to lead the delegation. Zardari stated on Facebook:
“I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan’s case for peace on the international stage. I am honored to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times.”
Pakistan’s attempt to repair its global image comes after being widely criticized for its support of terrorism, particularly following Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier announced that seven multi-party Indian delegations would visit key global partners, including members of the UN Security Council, later this month. These delegations will emphasize India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. The Indian representatives include Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Baijayant Panda, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Supriya Sule, and Shrikant Eknath Shinde.
The delegations will reinforce the message of national unity and India’s resolute stance against terrorism, highlighting a bipartisan commitment to global peace and security. In contrast, Pakistan’s hastily assembled peace delegation faces a credibility challenge as the international community remains skeptical of its commitment to combatting terrorism.
Following India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and drone attacks along the Line of Control (LoC) and Jammu and Kashmir. In response, India conducted a coordinated airstrike, damaging radar infrastructure, communication centers, and airfields at 11 Pakistani airbases.
India’s unified diplomatic initiative aims to strengthen international consensus against terrorism, while Pakistan’s parallel move is viewed as a damage control effort in light of mounting evidence of its ties to terrorist activities. (ANI)