Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Leads Diplomatic Push in Washington
By Elaine Pasquini
Washington, DC: A high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and former foreign minister of Pakistan, reaffirmed their country’s commitment to peace, dialogue and regional stability during meetings with US Congressional leaders on June 4, 2025. In addition, in the Capitol Hill engagements the group underscored Pakistan’s dedication to continuing partnerships built on justice, particularly in the context of the recent escalation of tensions in South Asia.
The delegation included several prominent members of Pakistan’s Parliament and former senior officials, including Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; Senator Sherry Rehman (PPP), Chair of the Climate Change Committee, former Minister for Climate Change and former Ambassador to the US; Senator Bushra Anjum Butt (PML-N); Hina Rabbani Khar (MNA, PPP), Chair of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Foreign Minister; Senator Faisal Sabzwari (MQM); Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense; Jalil Abbas Jilani, former Foreign Minister/Secretary and former Ambassador to the US; and former Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.
Engaging with a bipartisan group of American lawmakers, including a key meeting with the Congressional Pakistan Caucus co-chaired by Rep Jack Bergman and Rep Tom Suozzi, Bhutto Zardari briefed the members on "India’s recent acts of unprovoked aggression, including the targeting of civilians and the deeply concerning, unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a clear breach of international law." He extended appreciation to the United States, particularly "President Donald Trump, for his constructive role in helping de-escalate tensions and supporting efforts towards a ceasefire." The former foreign minister emphasized that "sustainable peace in South Asia hinges on dialogue, restraint and a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, rather than unilateralism or intimidation."
In separate meetings with other influential members of Congress, the group also met individually with Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia; Congressman Tom Kean Jr (R-NJ), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Mich) member of the House Appropriations Committee; Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind), member of the Armed Services Committee; Senator Van Hollen (D-MD); and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).
Throughout these engagements, the Pakistani delegation reiterated their country’s principled stance on regional peace, counterterrorism efforts, and recent Indian aggression. They reaffirmed "Pakistan’s commitment to peace, responsible conduct and rejection of baseless allegations." The delegation underscored "the urgency of dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir, an unfinished agenda of the United Nations," and stressed the imperative of "respect for international law, UNSC resolutions, and the Indus Waters Treaty, a lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis, now threatened by the dangerous precedent of weaponization of water."
Chairman Bhutto Zardari stressed the importance of trade among countries, calling it "a bridge for constructive engagement and the betterment of our people."
Members of Congress welcomed the Pakistani delegation, urging both India and Pakistan to demonstrate restraint and prioritize regional peace and stability. They reiterated US support for the people of Pakistan and pledged commitment to aiding the country's economic development.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
