The team will visit major international capitals
such as London, Washington, Paris, and Brussels
to highlight India’s disinformation campaigns
Web Desk
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to lead a high-level diplomatic delegation aimed at countering Indian propaganda and exposing conspiracies designed to destabilize regional peace. The decision was made during a telephonic conversation between the Prime Minister and Bilawal on Saturday, during which the premier entrusted him with the leadership of the special delegation.
High-Profile Team to Visit Global Capitals
The delegation comprises key political and diplomatic figures including Dr Musadik Malik, Engineer Khurram Dastgir, Senator Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, Faisal Sabzwari, Tehmina Janjua, and Jalil Abbas Jilani. The team will visit major international capitals such as London, Washington DC, Paris, and Brussels to highlight India’s disinformation campaigns and its alleged efforts to disrupt peace in South Asia. The delegation will also present Pakistan’s consistent efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
Opposition Criticizes Exclusion from Delegation
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shibli Faraz, strongly criticized the federal government for excluding opposition parties from the diplomatic delegation, particularly in the wake of India’s recent aggression. Speaking in the Senate on Monday, during a session chaired by Deputy Chairman Syedal Nasar, Faraz termed the exclusion a unilateral move on a matter of national importance. He expressed disappointment that the government-formed committee did not include any representatives from the opposition, especially the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the country’s largest opposition party. While he appreciated the government’s initiative for international engagement, he emphasized that the absence of political inclusivity undermines the delegation’s credibility.
PTI to Launch Its Own Foreign Outreach
Faraz announced that PTI will form its own delegations to present Pakistan’s position abroad, even if the party has to fund the missions itself. He urged the government not to place any PTI members on the Exit Control List (ECL), stressing that their overseas visits are intended solely to safeguard national interests. Citing India’s example, he said opposition leaders from parties like Congress are often included in such diplomatic efforts, showcasing national unity on critical issues. He added that India’s aggression had united the Pakistani nation, and that unity should be preserved rather than weakened.
Govt Defends Decision, Mulls Parliamentary Inclusion
In response, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that government delegations traditionally comprise sitting officials, though he acknowledged the opposition’s right to voice concerns. He mentioned that the issue of parliamentary inclusion is being reviewed by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate. Deputy Chairman Syedal Nasar also assured the opposition of his support, saying his office is open to broader consultation and greater political inclusion in future diplomatic missions.
