In a move widely interpreted as a direct response to India’s recent diplomatic initiative, Pakistan has appointed former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to lead a global “peace mission”—just hours after India unveiled its own high-profile parliamentary delegations, including Shashi Tharoor, as part of its international outreach following Operation Sindoor.
This development is seen as Pakistan’s attempt to counter India’s narrative on the global stage and reposition itself as a peace-seeking nation in the wake of rising Indo-Pak tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack.
However, the move has drawn criticism for its apparent mimicry of India’s strategy. Analysts note a recurring pattern in Islamabad’s foreign policy, reactive rather than proactive—highlighting a reliance on replicating India’s diplomatic playbook rather than crafting original initiatives.
Bhutto’s appointment is notable for its symbolic parallels with Tharoor’s role. Both leaders have extensive international experience and Western education, making the comparison inevitable. The Pakistani delegation—comprising senior politicians and diplomats, is expected to visit key global capitals, including London, Washington, Paris, and Brussels, to advocate Pakistan’s stance and attempt an image makeover from being seen as a sponsor of terrorism to a champion of peace.
Shashi Tharoor – Congress
Ravi Shankar Prasad – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Sanjay Kumar Jha – Janata Dal (United)
Baijayant Panda – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi – Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
Supriya Sule – Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
Shrikant Eknath Shinde – Shiv Sena
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)