Washington (TDI): A Pakistani Parliamentary Delegation, led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, held a series of significant meetings with members of the US Congress in Capitol Hill, yesterday.
Before heading to Washington, the delegation made a strong case at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. All these diplomatic engagements come in the backdrop of India’s aggressive posture since April’s Pahalgam attack in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
After the confrontational episode of May, which came to an end with a US-brokered ceasefire, India still refuses to put down belligerence and is weaponizing the Indus Waters Treaty. The situation still remains uncertain, unpredictable, and prone to escalation at any time.
The delegation’s visit underscores Pakistan’s stance, which is based on a commitment to peace and dialogue. Throughout these engagements, the delegation reiterated this principled stance on regional peace, counterterrorism efforts, and Indian aggression.
The delegation includes several prominent members of Pakistan’s Parliament and former senior officials:
- 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
- Ambassador (r) Jalil Abbas Jilani, former Foreign Minister/Secretary
- Tehmina Janjua, former Foreign Secretary
In the US Capital, the delegation engaged with a bipartisan group of US lawmakers, including a key meeting with the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Jack Bergman and Rep. Tom Suozzi.
During these discussions, Bilawal Bhutto 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 FM emphasized that sustainable peace in South Asia hinges on dialogue, restraint, and a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Throughout these engagements, the Pakistani delegation reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance
on regional peace, counterterrorism efforts, and recent Indian aggression.
Met with Senator @Jim_Banks for a candid discussion on regional peace and security. Appreciated the critical peacemaker role played by President @realDonaldTrump in facilitating the ceasefire understanding, intended as a pathway to broader, sustained peace and dialogue. Raised… pic.twitter.com/gArIgwsSNC
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 5, 2025
In separate meetings with other influential members of Congress, the delegation 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 HFAC
- 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)
The delegation underscored the urgency of dialogue on J&K and stressed the imperative of respect for international law, UNSC resolutions, and the IWT – a lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis, now threatened by the dangerous precedent of weaponization of water.
Former FM Bhutto 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 countries to demonstrate restraint and prioritize regional peace and stability.
They reiterated the US support for the people of Pakistan and its commitment to aiding the country’s economic development.
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