London: The head of Pakistan's parliamentary delegation visiting the United Kingdom, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has firmly dismissed Indian allegations against Pakistan in the wake of the Pehalgam incident, citing a lack of credible investigation or verifiable evidence.
According to Radio Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was briefing the All Party Parliamentary Group on Pakistan during a meeting hosted by Yasmin Qureshi, the Pakistan Chair and Member of the British Parliament, at Westminster Palace in London. The meeting was attended by cross-party British parliamentarians. He highlighted India's actions against civilian populations and its violations of Pakistan's sovereignty, as well as the unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, as potential threats to regional and international peace and security.
The delegation represents Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic efforts to engage the international community regarding the regional security situation, exacerbated by Indian actions post-Pehalgam incident. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari detailed the repercussions of these actions, which he claims were taken without proper investigation or justification.
In his remarks, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Musadik Malik, informed the parliamentarians about the environmental risks posed by India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, emphasizing the threat to Pakistan's food security and its agrarian economy, which supports a population of 240 million.
The delegation asserted that Pakistan's response to Indian aggression was measured and consistent with international law, including the right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. They emphasized Pakistan's commitment to restraint, the revival of the Indus Water Treaty, and the initiation of comprehensive dialogue between the two countries, particularly concerning the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The delegation also met with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, in London. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed Pakistan's serious concerns over India's unfounded accusations, made without credible investigation, and its subsequent military actions targeting civilians. He stressed that these actions violate international law and established inter-state norms.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace and regional stability, emphasizing the necessity of a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. The delegation warned of the severe humanitarian impact of India's actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, which could set a dangerous precedent by weaponizing water resources.
The Speaker of the House of Commons acknowledged the longstanding relations between Pakistan and the UK and appreciated the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to British society. He reaffirmed the UK government's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.