BRUSSELS:
PPP Chairman and head of the high-level parliamentary delegation, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has conveyed Pakistan’s firm message of peace to the European Union, calling for constructive dialogue with India to resolve critical issues, including Kashmir, terrorism, and water disputes.
Speaking to the media in Brussels on Thursday after meeting with Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, Bilawal emphasized that war is not a solution, and peaceful dialogue is the only viable path forward.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s concerns over India’s actions related to the Indus Water Treaty, calling them a serious breach of international law. Bilawal noted that the EU shares a strong commitment to respecting international treaties.
Joining him, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik asserted that India cannot unilaterally walk away from the Indus Water Treaty, as there is no legal basis for such a move.
Jalil Abbas Jilani, another member of the delegation, expressed confidence that the EU would support Pakistan’s GSP Plus trade status, which is vital for Pakistan’s exports.
The delegation, led by Hina Rabbani Khar and Senator Faisal Subzwari, met with Belgium’s Director General for Bilateral Affairs, Brigit Stevens, to discuss regional peace and the South Asian security environment. They warned against setting a dangerous precedent by “weaponizing water” and emphasized the humanitarian risks involved.
The delegation reiterated Pakistan’s policy of restraint, responsibility, and its commitment to regional peace and multilateral cooperation. They stressed that resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions is key to lasting peace in South Asia.
They also reviewed Pakistan-Belgium relations and explored ways to boost political, economic, and development cooperation.
In a separate meeting with EU Commission officials including Lucie Sestakova and Asia expert Natividad Lorenzo, a delegation led by Senator Sherry Rehman and Engineer Khurram Dastagir raised concerns over the potential humanitarian and legal fallout of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
The delegation also acknowledged the EU’s development cooperation under the MIP and Global Gateway programs and reiterated Pakistan’s alignment with shared global priorities.
They urged friendly countries to use their influence to encourage India to engage in peaceful dialogue and uphold its international obligations.
