Pakistan to send diplomatic delegation abroad to counter India's global outreach
Hours after India decided to send its delegations to key partner countries to put across its resolve to tackle terrorism against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that he would send a diplomatic team to important world capitals to present his country's stance.
The decision was made by Mr. Sharif on Saturday (May 17, 2025) after a telephone conversation with former Foreign Minister and head of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Pakistan's decision to send its delegation came hours after India announced that it would send seven all-party delegations to key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, later this month, to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Mr. Shehbaz 'decided to send a high-level diplomatic delegation to important world capitals to expose Indian propaganda', the state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
He has entrusted the leadership of the delegation to Mr. Bhutto Zardari.
'I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif], who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility and remain committed to serving Pakistan in these challenging times,' Mr. Bhutto Zardari posted on social media platform X on Saturday (May 17, 2025).
Apart from Mr. Bhutto Zardari, the delegation will include Energy Minister Musadik Malik, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Khurram Dastgir Khan, Senator Sherry Rehman, former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Faisal Subzwari, and former Foreign Secretaries Tehmina Janjua and Jalil Abbas Jilani.
The delegation will also 'underscore Pakistan's sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region,' according to the PMO.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the delegation would soon visit the United States, the U.K., Brussels, France, and Russia to highlight Pakistan's stance on the recent conflict.
India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
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