WASHINGTON, JUN 6 /DNA/ – A high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former Foreign Minister, engaged with a bipartisan group of U.S. legislators at a dinner reception hosted by Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh at Pakistan House.
The event saw the attendance of members of Congress, including Representatives Jack Bergman, Tom Suozzi, Ryan Zinke, Maxine Waters, Al Green, Jonathan Jackson, Hank Johnson, Stacey Plaskett, Henry Cuellar, Mike Turner, Riley Moore, George Latimer, and Cleo Fields, among others.
Addressing the U.S. legislators, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari presented a compelling case for regional peace and stability, characterizing the delegation’s visit as a “mission for peace.”
“Our Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, gave this delegation a mission, and the mission is peace to engage in dialogue and diplomacy with India to resolve our issues,” stated Mr. Bhutto Zardari.
Referring to recent war rhetoric from India and the fragile nature of the current ceasefire, Mr. Bhutto Zardari highlighted the inherent risk of future escalation.
“While the ceasefire is a welcome start, it is just a start. The reality is that South Asia, India, and Pakistan, and by extension, the rest of the world, are less safe today than when we started this crisis,” he asserted.
“The threshold for all-out war between India and Pakistan is the lowest it has ever been in our history. As it stands today, if there’s a terrorist attack anywhere in India, proof or no proof, it means war,” added Mr. Bilawal.
Mr. Bhutto Zardari also informed the members of Congress about the significant threat posed by India’s actions regarding the unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), which could precipitate future conflicts.
“India’s threat to cut off Pakistan’s water supply to 240 million people is an existential threat.If they implement that threat, it will mean a declaration of war,” he declared.
Appreciating the crucial role played by the United States in facilitating a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed nations, the former Foreign Minister urged U.S. legislators to continue their efforts in maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.
“We’re here to appeal to you, requesting the United States to aid us in this pursuit for peace. The United States, if it puts its might behind peace, can speak to India and explain how it’s in all our interests to resolve our issues, including the core issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” the Chairman noted.
He also underscored the paramount importance of diplomacy, calling upon the U.S. Government and Congress to actively facilitate a constructive engagement between India and Pakistan.
“Just as urgently as we needed the United States government’s help to achieve the ceasefire, we need your assistance today to help engage India and prevent policies that lead to regional and global insecurity,” said Mr. Bhutto Zardari.
The U.S. Congress members assured their full support for regional peace and stability in South Asia, commending the delegation for their comprehensive briefing on the ongoing crisis.
Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, concluded the evening by thanking the U.S. legislators for attendance and interaction with the high-level parliamentary delegation.
