Pakistan, China call for advancing peace in South Asia through multilateral cooperation

Celina Ali

Islamabad: The Permanent Representative of China to the UN, Ambassador Fu Cong, Monday called on the former Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, during which they discussed the evolving security situation in South Asia in the wake of India’s recent aggression and Pakistan’s efforts to uphold peace and stability.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is leading a high-level nine member delegation, expressed heartfelt gratitude from people of Pakistan for the unequivocal support extended by China during the Indian provocation, according to a press release issued by the Pakistani Mission to the UN.

He apprised the Chinese side of the developments following the Pahalgam attack of 22 April 2025 and Pakistan’s responsible and restrained, conduct in response to India’s belligerent posture, it said.

The delegation leader emphasized that it was regrettable that Pakistan’s offer of credible, impartial and independent investigations were rejected by India. He reiterated the centrality of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute for sustainable peace in South Asia and urged China to play its role in the resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the Security Council Resolutions through multilateral cooperation and engagement.

He emphasized the urgent need for the international community to transition from conflict management to conflict resolution for lasting peace in South Asia.

The delegation also shared details of India’s arbitrary attacks on Pakistani territory, its deliberate targeting of civilians, its active involvement in funding and supporting terrorism in Pakistan, and the provocative decision to hold in abeyance the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — a move equated to the weaponization of water and a violation of international law.

Both sides agreed that aggressive posturing and unilateral actions threaten peace in the region and must be firmly opposed. Both sides also expressed their shared commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes, multilateral cooperation, upholding the principles of the UN Charter, preserving the sanctity of treaties and respect for international law.