Pakistan Imitates India Again: Islamabad Sends 'Peace' Delegation Amid International Backlash
Islamabad: In a significant move that mirrors India's diplomatic strategy, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the dispatch of a delegation to present its case for peace on the international stage. This decision comes amidst widespread criticism for Pakistan's ties with terrorism, as the country seeks to salvage its global image in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
Led by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Pakistani delegation is set to embark on a global tour to showcase the country's commitment to peace and counter-terrorism. This move follows India's formation of seven multi-party delegations to update global leaders on its counter-terror operations and demonstrate its unified stance against cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan's decision to send a delegation has sparked controversy in India, with some describing it as a "copy-paste" diplomacy that lacks credibility. The announcement comes after Pakistan mimicked India's diplomatic initiatives, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Sialkot military base and his address to air force personnel.
India has taken umbrage with Pakistan's actions, considering its claim of having downed the S-400 air defense system used by Modi during his visit. The Pakistani delegation is likely to face an uphill battle in addressing these concerns as it embarks on a global tour aimed at promoting peace and counter-terrorism.
In response, India has announced plans to send seven all-party delegations to key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, to assert its resolve against cross-border terrorism. The delegations will include 51 political leaders from across party lines, who will visit at least 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels.
The move is seen as a significant signal from India's establishment that it will not tolerate terrorism on its soil. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terrorist outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
With Pakistan's reputation severely damaged by its long-standing support of terrorism, this latest move is a stark reminder that New Delhi prioritizes security and territorial integrity over diplomatic outreach.