Pakistan Taps Bilawal Bhutto to Lead ‘Peace’ Delegation After India’s Operation Sindoor Outreach
In a move widely seen as mirroring India’s Operation Sindoor outreach, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has asked Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to lead a global delegation promoting Islamabad’s peace narrative.
Days after India’s announcement of seven all-party delegation under Operation Sindoor to counter terrorism narratives globally, Pakistan has announced a similar initiative. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari with leading a diplomatic team to present Pakistan’s case for “peace” on the international stage.
The announcement was made by Bhutto himself on Saturday via social media. “I was contacted earlier today by Prime Minister @CMShehbaz, who requested that I lead a delegation to present Pakistan’s case for peace on the international stage. I am honoured to accept this responsibility,” Bhutto posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The development follows India’s announcement of seven all-party delegations that will visit 30 countries to highlight its zero-tolerance stance against terrorism in the aftermath of the May 7 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The Indian outreach—Operation Sindoor—was launched as a unified political and diplomatic response, involving leaders across parties including Congress, BJP, DMK, and Shiv Sena.
Among those leading Indian delegations are Shashi Tharoor (USA, Brazil), Supriya Sule (Qatar, South Africa), and Ravi Shankar Prasad (UK, EU), along with MPs from both ruling and opposition parties.
“The seven all-party delegations will soon engage key nations under Operation Sindoor, reflecting our collective resolve against terrorism,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had said earlier.
Observers have noted that Pakistan’s move appears to mimic India’s diplomatic strategy, a trend that has drawn criticism in the past. During the military escalation between May 7 and 10, Prime Minister Modi visited Adampur Air Force Station to rally troops. Shortly after, PM Sharif visited the Sialkot military base in a similar fashion, claiming “victory” in the brief conflict.
“This is not the first time Pakistan has mirrored Indian leadership moves in optics or diplomacy. However, intent and credibility are what set the two approaches apart,” said former diplomat Rajiv Dogra.
India’s delegations are set to begin their outreach with the first visit to Guyana on May 24. According to sources, the team led by Shashi Tharoor will then arrive in the United States by June 2, staying through the first week for meetings with lawmakers, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora.
Each Indian delegation will focus on countering Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir and emphasizing India’s counter-terror credentials and internal security response under Operation Sindoor.
“International audiences are discerning. India has built diplomatic capital through consistent engagement. For Pakistan, the challenge will be in proving sincerity and credibility,” said foreign policy analyst Dr. Swati Mehta.
