Pakistan Accuses India of Sabotaging Kashmir Peace Talks
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Claims India Undermines Trump’s Mediation Efforts
Pakistan is intensifying diplomatic efforts to counter Indian accusations of involvement in a recent attack in Kashmir, alleging that New Delhi is deliberately obstructing potential peace negotiations facilitated by the United States. The escalating tensions threaten regional stability, as both nations possess nuclear capabilities.
Escalation Following Deadly Attack
The dispute stems from a deadly April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Occupied Kashmir, which resulted in at least 24 fatalities. India responded by blaming Pakistan for supporting the attackers—a claim Islamabad vehemently denies—leading to a four-day period of military escalation before a ceasefire brokered by the US on May 10. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, global military expenditure reached $2.44 trillion in 2023, highlighting the increasing investment in defense capabilities worldwide. SIPRI
Diplomatic Offensive
To address the situation and refute what it calls Indian propaganda, Pakistan formed a high-level delegation led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The delegation has already engaged with officials in the United States and is currently in the United Kingdom, with plans to proceed to Brussels for discussions with the European Commission.
“India wants to sabotage President Trump’s peace efforts, but its efforts will be in vain. The US will, if required, drag India to the table as it in the global interest that India and Pakistan make peace for regional stability and move towards development.”
—Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Former Foreign Minister
Kashmir Dispute Gains Global Attention
Bhutto-Zardari asserted that the recent conflict has elevated the Kashmir dispute to a global concern, despite India’s attempts to portray it as an internal matter. He pointed to President Trump’s offer of mediation as a turning point, forcing India to acknowledge the issue’s international significance.
The US Department of State recently reaffirmed President Trump’s willingness to engage in resolving the Kashmir dispute, stating that his actions are aimed at addressing long-standing conflicts between nations.
Accusations and Treaty Concerns
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari strongly criticized Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent remarks, dismissing them as warmongering. He accused Jaishankar of threatening nuclear war and suggested that India’s internal extremism is the real problem. “Jaishankar is a war monger, not a diplomat. If he thinks threatening nuclear war is diplomacy, then India’s problem isn’t Pakistan, it’s extremism within its own cabinet,”
he stated.
Pakistan also challenged India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial agreement governing the distribution of water resources. Bhutto-Zardari warned that suspending the treaty would be considered an act of war and a violation of the UN charter.
Allegations of Indian State-Sponsored Terrorism
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari further alleged that India has been targeting Sikh activists both within Pakistan and internationally, accusing India of employing terrorism as a foreign policy tool. He cited concerns raised by Canada regarding India’s alleged involvement in targeting Sikh individuals.
Pakistan maintains its commitment to peace through dialogue, offering to resolve all outstanding issues—including Kashmir, water disputes, and terrorism—through negotiation. Bhutto-Zardari emphasized that Pakistan will defend itself against any Indian aggression, but remains dedicated to a peaceful resolution.
