By Special Correspondent
ISLAMABD: The Permanent Representative/Ambassador of France to the United Nations, Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, met with the high-level parliamentary delegation of Pakistan, led by former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The delegation briefed the French Ambassador regarding the alarming security developments in South Asia following India’s recent military aggression and unilateral actions.
Bilawal Bhutto apprised him of the grave consequences arising from India’s baseless attribution of the Pahalgam attack to Pakistan without any credible investigation or evidence. He condemned India’s unilateral military strikes against civilians leading to deaths and injuries and damage to civilian infrastructure in Pakistan, the arbitrary holding in abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty, and India’s persistent belligerence — actions that violate international law and threaten the fragile strategic balance in the region.
The head of the Pakistan parliamentary delegation emphasized Pakistan’s responsible and restrained conduct in the face of Indian provocations, adding that Pakistan’s response was guided by the principles of international law and the UN Charter. He warned against India’s attempt to impose a so-called “new normal” of arbitrary strikes, noting the serious implications such conduct holds in a nuclearized region like South Asia.
He highlighted that highest number of terrorists’ attacks had been taking place in Pakistan and the country itself was the biggest victim of terrorism. He underscored that Pakistan was fully committed to eliminating terrorism, including the one funded and supported from India. He stressed that Pakistan’s role and sacrifices to combat terrorism were well recognized and there was a need to depoliticize the issue of terrorism.
Bilawal Bhutto underscored the imperative of a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions for durable peace and stability in South Asia. He urged France to play a role in ensuring a sustained ceasefire, revival of the Indus Waters Treaty, and initiation of a comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India.
The Permanent Representative of France expressed his country’s support for regional peace and stability and need for bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan. He reiterated the importance of restraint, dialogue, and adherence to international obligations.
Members of the parliamentary delegation namely, Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt and Syed Faisal Subzwari were also present on the occasion.
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