'Indian aggression carries consequences'

Delegation tells UK MPs Pak response was calibrated, lawful

LONDON:

PPP Chairperson and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday warned that India's recent attack on Pakistani civilians and its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could have dangerous consequences for regional and international peace and security.

He made these remarks while leading a high-level parliamentary delegation that briefed the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pakistan about Indian aggression and violations of Pakistan's sovereignty.

The visit is part of Pakistan's broader diplomatic outreach in response to the deteriorating security situation following the Pahalgam incident.

At a meeting hosted by APPG Chair Yasmin Qureshi MP at Westminster Palace, and attended by cross-party British parliamentarians, Bilawal categorically rejected the baseless Indian allegations, made without credible investigation or verifiable evidence.

The delegation head highlighted that the Indian attack on the civilian population, violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty — in blatant violation of International law — could have dangerous consequences for regional and international peace and security.

Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Malik apprised the parliamentarians of the environmental hazards of holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance by India, threats to food security and survival of 240 million population of Pakistan, primarily an agrarian economy.

The delegation emphasized that Pakistan's response to Indian aggression was calibrated, responsible and fully consistent with international law, including the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

It underscored Pakistan's commitment to restraint, revival of the Indus Waters Treaty and initiation of a composite dialogue between the two countries on all outstanding issues, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.