NEW YORK – A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, to address the escalating tensions in South Asia.
Bhutto-led delegation presented Islamabad’s concerns regarding India’s recent military actions and unilateral decisions, urging France to play a proactive role in stabilizing the region. During the meeting, Bilawal strongly condemned New Delhi’s attribution of the April 22 Pahalgam attack to Pakistan, calling it baseless and lacking credible evidence.
He highlighted Indian military strikes targeting Pakistani civilians, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. The delegation also criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, labeling it a violation of international law and a destabilizing act in the region.
Pakistan called on France to support the continuation of the ceasefire, the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty, and the initiation of a comprehensive dialogue between the two neighbors. The delegation stressed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability, and adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
Ambassador Bonnafont reaffirmed support to promote peace and stability in South Asia, underscoring importance of restraint, dialogue, and respect for international obligations in resolving the conflict, expressing France’s support for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between nuclear armed nations.
Pakistani delegation including notable figures such as Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, Dr. Musadik Malik, and others, plans to continue engaging with international leaders and organizations to present Pakistan’s perspective on the ongoing crisis.
