A top-level team from Pakistan visited Washington, D.C. this week to talk about peace and security in South Asia. The delegation was led by Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party and former Foreign Minister.
The team met with several U.S. lawmakers, including both Republicans and Democrats. These meetings were important. The goal was to tell the U.S. government about Pakistan’s views and ask for support in keeping peace in the region.
A dinner was held at Pakistan House, hosted by Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh. Many U.S. Congress members attended, including Jack Bergman, Maxine Waters, Al Green, and Mike Turner. Mr. Bhutto Zardari told them that Pakistan wants peace. He said the visit was a “mission for peace.”
The U.S. lawmakers showed strong support. They praised the Pakistani delegation for giving a full and clear briefing on the recent crisis.
Mr. Bhutto Zardari also met with U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, who leads the Senate Intelligence Committee. He talked about serious human rights issues in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He also raised concerns about India ending the Indus Waters Treaty without talks. He called it dangerous and against international rules.
In another key meeting, the delegation spoke with Senators Jim Banks and Chris Van Hollen. Mr. Bhutto Zardari and Mr. Khurram Dastageer made it clear: the world must watch the ceasefire closely. They warned that if action is not taken early, the next crisis might be too late to stop.
Tahir Javed played a key role in setting up these meetings. His efforts helped Pakistan’s voice be heard clearly at the highest levels in Washington, D.C.
This visit was a big step for peace and diplomacy. It showed that dialogue, not conflict, is the way forward.
