A delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is starting its official meetings at the United Nations today (June 2).

The group is set to meet ambassadors from all 14 member states of the UN Security Council, including the five permanent members. Bilawal and Senator Sherry Rehman have already reached New York, with others expected to join on later flights.

The delegation also includes Hina Rabbani Khar, Dr Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Bushra Anjum Butt, Tehmina Janjua and Jalil Abbas Jilani.

Another team, led by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, will visit Moscow from June 2, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The main aim of these delegations is to present Pakistan’s position on the recent military confrontation with India and counter New Delhi’s version of events.

The group will also meet the UN Secretary-General, the President of the UN General Assembly and Chinese and Russian ambassadors.

Other planned meetings include those with ambassadors from OIC and Non-Aligned Movement countries.

Focus on Narrative and Global Outreach

The delegation will speak at the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) and also meet Pakistani journalists.

However, there is no information yet on any meetings with American media, human rights groups or media accuracy organisations regarding disinformation from Indian media.

Some observers have raised concerns that most meetings are with countries already sympathetic to Pakistan’s stance. Despite President Trump’s remarks, it’s still unclear if anyone from his administration will meet the delegation.

There are reports of a think tank meeting on June 5.

Meanwhile, Indian leader Shashi Tharoor is set to visit Washington after a Latin America tour, and India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is already in Washington.

The recent confrontation began after a terror attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir that killed 26 tourists.

India blamed Pakistan without evidence. Pakistan responded with “Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos”, downing six IAF jets and ending the conflict with a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10.

ISPR confirmed 53 Pakistani deaths, including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians.