In a notable diplomatic gesture, Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated Islamabad’s willingness to engage in dialogue with India on all outstanding issues — including Kashmir — provided there’s a “conducive environment” for meaningful negotiations. Speaking during an interview with Indian media outlet The Wire, Bilawal Bhutto emphasized that Pakistan is not averse to talking with India and believes peaceful dialogue is essential for the future of South Asia. “We are always ready for dialogue. It’s India that has to decide whether it wants to engage in a peaceful manner or not,” he said, adding that “Pakistan will respond positively if there is seriousness from the other side.”
Bilawal, who headed Pakistan’s foreign ministry until August 2023, maintained that while Pakistan recognizes the complexities in bilateral relations, both sides owe it to their people to seek solutions through talks. “This region cannot afford another war. The only path forward is dialogue, and the sooner the better,” he remarked. The remarks come amid longstanding tensions over the disputed Kashmir region, where both nations claim sovereignty. India unilaterally revoked Article 370 in 2019, which gave special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir — a move Pakistan has consistently rejected and termed a violation of UN resolutions.
Responding to a question about whether his Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) supports resuming diplomatic ties with India, Bilawal said the party has always championed regional peace and dialogue. “But that doesn’t mean compromising on our core interests,” he clarified. India has yet to officially respond to Bilawal’s comments, but his statements have generated significant media buzz on both sides of the border, especially as general elections loom in India.
