Bilawal Bhutto Urges India for Dialogue Resumption Amid Rising Tensions

Islamabad, June 16 (PTI): Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), has called upon India to return to negotiations, asserting that the resolution of all outstanding issues between the two nations hinges on comprehensive dialogue.

In an interview with German broadcaster DW Urdu during his visit to Brussels, reported by The Express Tribune, Bilawal, leading a parliamentary delegation to the West, emphasized, "All outstanding issues between Pakistan and India can only be resolved through comprehensive dialogue. If India does not come to the table, it will not be in their favour."

The former foreign minister cautioned that any Indian attempt to disrupt Pakistan’s water supply would constitute an existential threat, potentially leaving Pakistan with no alternative but conflict. He urged the international community to facilitate dialogue between India and Pakistan, contributing to lasting peace in South Asia by addressing the long-standing Kashmir dispute, water issues, and terrorism through a composite dialogue.

India has asserted that its discussions with Pakistan should focus on regaining Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and addressing terrorism concerns. The composite dialogue, launched in 2003 under the administration of General Pervez Musharraf, included eight categories of contentious issues between the two nations. However, it was disrupted following the 2008 Mumbai attacks and has not been fully resumed.

Bilawal emphasized that while Pakistan does not desire war, negotiations on national security or water rights are non-negotiable. Despite ongoing advocacy for peace, Pakistan remains firm on these critical areas.

The recent escalation in tensions followed the Pahalgam terrorist attack, prompting India to conduct precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. In response, Pakistan targeted Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10, with India strongly countering these actions.

Military confrontations concluded after discussions between the directors general of military operations from both countries on May 10, resulting in a mutual understanding to cease hostilities.