In a high-profile diplomatic visit to Europe, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Pakistan People’s Party Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, strongly criticized India’s hostile actions and urged the European Union to continue supporting Pakistan through GSP Plus trade preferences. Leading a Pakistani delegation, Bilawal made compelling appeals for global support in countering India’s aggressive posture and for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict.
India Using Terrorism as Pretext for Aggression
Speaking to the media after multiple high-level meetings in Brussels, Bilawal Bhutto accused India of weaponizing the narrative of terrorism to launch unjustified attacks on Pakistan. India has used terrorism as a pretext to target Pakistan and now tries to malign us globally by raising the issues of Sindh and Kashmir, he said. However, he highlighted a significant diplomatic win: the United Nations’ appointment of Pakistan to counterterrorism committees, a move he described as a direct rebuttal to India’s accusations.
Key Meetings With Belgian and EU Officials
The Pakistani delegation met with key Belgian government and parliamentary officials, including Caitlin Deporter, Vice Chair of the Belgian Foreign Affairs Committee, and Franck Belgium, Chair of the Pakistan-Belgium Parliamentary Friendship Group. Discussions focused on regional peace, EU-Pakistan trade cooperation, and international diplomatic coordination.
The delegation emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful negotiations and highlighted the urgent need to address India’s illegal actions, particularly in Kashmir, which continues to be a flashpoint in South Asian geopolitics.
Push for GSP Plus Continuation
During a visit to the European Parliament, the delegation met with Bernd Lange, Chair of the International Trade Committee, to stress the importance of continuing Pakistan’s GSP Plus status — a trade regime that provides Pakistan with preferential access to EU markets. Bilawal Bhutto emphasized that GSP Plus is essential for boosting Pakistan’s textile exports, especially as the country grapples with economic challenges.
He also informed European officials about India’s increasingly aggressive actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and urged the EU to dissuade India from such extra-legal behavior.
We expect our European partners to raise their voice against such illegal measures and support Pakistan’s role as a peace partner, said Bilawal.
Addressing the Threats to Regional Peace
The delegation further met Lucie Sestakova, Head of Cabinet for International Partnerships at the European Commission, and Nativad Lorenzo, Cabinet Expert for Asia. They were briefed about the deteriorating regional security environment due to India’s unilateral actions and disregard for international agreements.
In meetings with the prestigious Egmont Institute, one of Europe’s leading think tanks, Bilawal Bhutto stressed that India’s militarization of water resources and aggressive posturing along the border posed serious threats to peace in South Asia.
Ambassador Paul de Witt, Director General of Egmont, was briefed on Pakistan’s peacekeeping priorities and its efforts to maintain regional stability despite provocations.
Pakistan as a Key Ally Against Terrorism
Bilawal also reminded European policymakers of Pakistan’s value as a key counterterrorism partner, citing recognition from senior US military officials, including a statement that described Pakistan as an exceptional partner in the fight against terrorism. He noted that even former US President Donald Trump had offered to mediate the Kashmir issue — something the EU should also consider supporting.
India’s Extremism Will Backfire
Mosaddeq Malik, a senior member of the delegation, added a sharp warning: One-third of the water India threatens to block comes from elsewhere. If this trend continues, it will backfire on them.He criticized India’s Hindutva-driven politics, saying, The ghost of Hindutva will not haunt Pakistan, but India must think about what it means for its own future.
He urged European officials to act as a moderating force: We asked the EU to stop India from thinking like the Wild West.
EU Expected to Play a Role in Regional Stability
Former Pakistani Ambassador to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani, wrapped up the visit with optimism, saying, “We expect the European Union to play a constructive role, both in maintaining GSP Plus and in supporting Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region.”
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s European tour served as a comprehensive diplomatic outreach — confronting India’s actions on multiple fronts, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to peace, and securing continued European trade and political support. As tensions rise in South Asia, Pakistan is clearly seeking stronger alliances with Western powers to counterbalance regional threats and promote stability.
