Copy-paste diplomacy? Pakistan to send its "peace" delegation on global stage after India's all-party outreach on terrorism
ANI Troubled by India's diplomatic outreach, Pakistan to send its "peace" delegation on global stage
In the wake of India's Operation Sindoor, which has drawn international attention to Islamabad's support for terrorism, Pakistan is scrambling to salvage its global image. Attempting to mirror New Delhi's recent diplomatic moves, Pakistan has now announced plans to send a delegation abroad to present its case for 'peace,' news agency ANI reported. The move comes after India constituted seven multi-party delegations to brief global leaders on its counter-terror operation and the country's united stance against cross-border terrorism.
According to ANI, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Saturday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked him to lead a peace delegation on behalf of Pakistan.
'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,' Bhutto Zardari said in a Facebook post.
ANI noted that Pakistan's move is being widely seen as a desperate attempt to repair its tarnished international reputation, especially in light of accusations linking it to decades of sponsoring terrorism in the region. Bhutto Zardari's delegation is likely to face diplomatic headwinds, given the credibility challenges Pakistan faces, particularly after its retaliatory actions following India's Operation Sindoor—India's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Earlier on Saturday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that seven Indian all-party delegations will travel to key global capitals, including members of the United Nations Security Council. These delegations aim to present a united front against terrorism and share details of Operation Sindoor.The delegations will be led by Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena).'In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero tolerance to terrorism. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences,' Rijiju said in a post on X.According to ANI, each delegation comprises Members of Parliament across party lines, senior politicians, and diplomats, showcasing India's political consensus on combating terrorism.Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, reportedly targeted infrastructure linked to terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists, according to ANI. In response, Pakistan reportedly launched retaliatory shelling and attempted drone strikes, to which India responded with targeted attacks on Pakistani military infrastructure.
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