News Desk
NEW YORK: In an unexpected and bold proposal, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan’s senior diplomat and chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, called for cooperation between Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to jointly combat terrorism.
Speaking at a press conference held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Bilawal outlined his vision of peace through dialogue, underscoring that collaborative intelligence efforts could reduce violence and build trust between the two adversaries. Bilawal’s suggestion marks a significant departure from the entrenched hostility that has long characterized India-Pakistan relations, especially given the fraught history of mistrust between the two intelligence agencies.
“We want peace with India, but not on conditions,” he insisted. “Peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.” His appeal extended beyond the subcontinent, as he urged the international community to intervene and prevent the situation from deteriorating further, poignantly questioning the consequences if a nation’s “lifeline” were to be severed.
Later in the day, addressing the Pakistani diaspora at the Cornell Club in New York, Bilawal expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan, praising the bright young students he had met across the United States. He described them as the nation’s “bright future,” reinforcing his message of hope and progress amid the current challenges.
However, Bilawal did not shy away from highlighting the ongoing aggression he attributed to India, notably India’s use of water as a political weapon and its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty — actions he condemned as clear violations of international law. These moves, he argued, exacerbate regional tensions and undermine prospects for peace.
