The move comes in response to India's diplomatic outreach after Operation Sindoor.
Islamabad, May 18 – In a swift response to India’s announcement of sending all-party delegations to key global partners following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to dispatch a high-level diplomatic team to prominent world capitals to present the country’s stance on the recent escalation.The decision came on Saturday after Prime Minister Shehbaz held a telephonic conversation with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former foreign minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
State-run Radio Pakistan reported that the delegation's mission is to “expose Indian propaganda” and assert Pakistan's position on peace and regional stability. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been appointed to lead the team.
“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,” Bilawal said in a statement on X.
Delegation, Compositio,n and Itinerary
The Pakistani delegation comprises a diverse group of political leaders and diplomats, including:- Energy Minister Musadik Malik
- PML-N leader Khurram Dastgir Khan
- Senator Sherry Rehman
- Former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar
- MQM lawmaker Faisal Subzwari
- Former foreign secretaries Tehmina Janjua and Jalil Abbas Jilani
Background of the Conflict
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, conducting precision strikes on terror infrastructure in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Pakistan responded with attempted strikes on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10.The conflict de-escalated on May 10 after both nations reached a tentative understanding following four days of cross-border drone and missile exchanges.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs had earlier announced that seven all-party delegations would travel later this month to various global capitals, including members of the UN Security Council, to present India’s "zero tolerance" stance on terrorism.
Pakistan's diplomatic outreach now sets the stage for a parallel international engagement, reflecting heightened tensions and competing narratives on regional security.