France calls for dialogue to resolve Pak-India disputes
Celina Ali
Islamabad: Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, met with the high-level parliamentary delegation of Pakistan, led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in New York on Tuesday.
The delegation briefed the French Ambassador regarding the alarming security developments in South Asia following India’s recent military aggression and unilateral actions.
Delegation head Bilawal Bhutto apprised the French Ambassador of the grave consequences arising from India’s baseless attribution of the Pahalgam attack to Pakistan without any credible investigation or evidence.
He said India’s persistent belligerence, unilateral military strikes against civilians in Pakistan and arbitrary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty are condemnable actions that violate international law and threaten the fragile strategic balance in the region.
Bilawal Bhutto highlighted Pakistan’s responsible and restrained conduct in the face of Indian provocation. He said Pakistan’s response was guided by the principles of international law and the UN Charter.
He warned against India’s attempt to impose a so-called “new normal” of arbitrary strikes, that may have serious implications in a nuclearized region like South Asia.
Bilawal Bhutto highlighted that Pakistan is the biggest victim of terrorism in the world, and remains committed to eliminate it including the one funded and supported from India.
Emphasizing that Pakistan’s role and sacrifices to combat terrorism are well recognized, he called for depoliticizing the issue of terrorism.
Bilawal Bhutto underscored peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions for durable peace and stability in South Asia.
He urged France to play role in ensuring a sustained ceasefire, revival of the Indus Waters Treaty, and initiation of a comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India.
The Permanent Representative of France expressed his country’s support for regional peace and stability, and need for bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan.
He reiterated the importance of restraint, dialogue, and adherence to international obligations.
