Islamabad: The Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, held a meeting with a high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to discuss escalating security concerns in South Asia.
The Pakistani delegation briefed Ambassador Bonnafont on recent developments following what they characterized as India’s military aggression and unilateral actions. They expressed concern over India’s attribution of the Pahalgam attack to Pakistan without a credible investigation.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned India’s military strikes, which reportedly impacted civilians and infrastructure in Pakistan, and criticized the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. He warned that these actions undermine the strategic balance in the region.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s restraint, Bhutto Zardari called for adherence to international law and the UN Charter. He cautioned against India’s attempts to establish a “new normal” of arbitrary military actions, underscoring the risks in the nuclearized region of South Asia.
The delegation noted that Pakistan has been the primary victim of terrorism and reaffirmed its commitment to combatting terrorism, including threats allegedly supported by India. Bhutto Zardari stressed the need for a depoliticized approach to terrorism and recognized Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against it.
He appealed for a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and urged France to support a sustained ceasefire and the revival of dialogue between Pakistan and India.
Ambassador Bonnafont reiterated France’s commitment to regional peace and highlighted the importance of dialogue and adherence to international obligations.
The meeting was attended by several members of the Pakistani parliamentary delegation, including Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, and others.