The Only Person Demanding India-Pakistan War is Modi”: Bilawal Bhutto

Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the India-Pakistan war has “never been lower” in history.

In an interview with Sky News from London on Monday, Bilawal expressed serious concern about the current tension levels between the two countries, especially after the recent military standoff.

“At the moment, the threshold for conflict between India and Pakistan is lower than it’s ever been in our history,” Bilawal said. “We’ve achieved the ceasefire, but we have not achieved peace as it stands today.”

The crisis was triggered by a terrorist attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists were killed.

India blamed the incident on Pakistan-based groups. Islamabad, however, denied any involvement and called for a fair and impartial international investigation.

Over four days, both nations exchanged missile and drone strikes and engaged in air combat, increasing the risk of full-scale war between the nuclear-armed states.

International actors, including the United States, stepped in to de-escalate the situation. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on May 10.

Despite the ceasefire, Bilawal said the potential for conflict remains high. “If there’s a terrorist attack anywhere in India or IIOJK, proof or no proof, that means war,” he warned. “That’s not a tenable situation.”

He emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve long-standing issues like terrorism, the Kashmir dispute and water-sharing conflicts.

Bilawal also criticised India for its handling of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), saying delayed water releases could severely damage Pakistan’s agriculture. “Even a week’s delay in water supply can destroy crops,” he said.

“That would be war,” he added.

He stated that any infrastructure project built by India on rivers allocated to Pakistan would be considered aggression.

Rejection of Indian Allegations

Responding to Indian claims that Pakistan was behind the Kashmir attack, Bilawal said there was no credible evidence. “They went to war with a nuclear power and still cannot name a single terrorist involved,” he stated.

He defended Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, pointing to the country’s removal from the FATF grey list during his tenure as proof of commitment to global norms.

Bilawal is currently leading a diplomatic tour to share Pakistan’s stance globally in the aftermath of the conflict.

His delegation has already met with representatives from the United Nations, various member states, and US officials. The mission is now continuing in London.

Bilawal Criticised India’s Current Political Stance

Speaking to the media following his meeting at the British Parliament, the 36-year-old politician said that wherever he has travelled, people have supported peace, not war.

“Wherever I’ve travelled, no one has said they want war. Everyone wants peace. The only person demanding India-Pakistan war at all costs is Modi,” Bilawal added.

The politician also criticised India’s current political stance, accusing its leadership of promoting a narrative based on conflict and division.

“Our case for peace is strong. India’s case for war is based on lies and division,” he said. “They want to divide not just their own people but the entire region.”

The former foreign minister said that British lawmaker:s had attentively heard Pakistan’s position on key issues, expressing hope that the MPs he met would play their part in supporting peace efforts in South Asia.

“Pakistan’s message is clear, we want to establish peace through dialogue and diplomacy,” Bilawal remarked.

“Peace in our region is in everyone’s best interest,” he added.

Opportunities for Britain for Trade

Bilawal stressed that the large Pakistani community in Britain strongly desires peace in the region.

He argued that sustained peace in the region would unlock opportunities for Britain for economic cooperation and trade, including the revival of key transit routes across South Asia.

“If the UK wishes to benefit from the region’s trade potential, peace is a necessary condition,” he said.

“Transit routes, if activated, will bring advantages of all sorts,” he added.