Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari led a high-level parliamentary delegation to Capitol Hill on June 5, 2025, as part of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts following the recent armed conflict with India. He met with several influential members of the U.S. Congress to present Pakistan’s perspective, highlight Indian aggression, and reinforce bilateral cooperation.
In Washington, Bilawal held significant meetings with Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Jim Banks, and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. The delegation included prominent Pakistani figures such as Hina Rabbani Khar, Sherry Rehman, Dr. Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Tehmina Janjua, Bushra Anjum Butt, and Syed Faisal Subzwari.
The visit followed the conclusion of the latest military escalation between Pakistan and India, which erupted after the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists lost their lives. India responded with airstrikes on Pakistani territory, prompting Pakistan’s retaliatory Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, which reportedly downed six Indian Air Force jets and dozens of drones. The hostilities ceased on May 10 after the United States brokered a ceasefire.
U.S. Senators Hear Pakistan’s Concerns Over India’s Aggression
In his meeting with Senator Chris Van Hollen, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed Pakistan’s alarm over India’s “increasingly belligerent posture” and its unwillingness to engage in dialogue or allow third-party mediation. He also raised the issue of India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning that this violation of international law endangered the water security of 240 million Pakistanis.
Bilawal welcomed the U.S. role in promoting de-escalation in South Asia and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of disputes, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, through inclusive dialogue. He stated that genuine peace in the region is only achievable when all core issues are addressed.
During his discussion with Senator Jim Banks, Bilawal appreciated the role of former U.S. President Donald Trump in facilitating the recent ceasefire. He reiterated that there was no military solution to the crisis between Pakistan and India, urging instead for sustained diplomatic engagement.
Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove Engages in Candid Dialogue
Bilawal also met Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on South & Central Asia. Their discussion focused on regional stability and the risks posed by India’s current strategic behavior under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bilawal criticized what he called a “new abnormal,” where unverified incidents are used to justify military aggression, raising the threat of war between two nuclear-armed nations.
He condemned India’s weaponisation of water through the IWT’s suspension, stressing that the international community must not allow such precedents to stand. He questioned India’s image as a “net security provider” while it allegedly destabilized the region with unilateral actions and escalatory rhetoric.
U.S. Lawmakers Reaffirm Support for Pakistan’s Development
Throughout the meetings, members of the U.S. Congress reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Pakistani people. They urged both South Asian neighbors to show restraint and avoid future military confrontations. Lawmakers highlighted the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement to resolve longstanding issues.
The U.S. legislators also expressed support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and development, especially in the wake of regional tensions and global economic challenges. They reiterated America’s commitment to assisting Pakistan’s economic reforms and social welfare initiatives, underscoring the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
The Pakistani delegation’s outreach marks a continuation of Islamabad’s efforts to garner international support and present its case following the May conflict. It also signals a renewed focus on diplomacy, dialogue, and development in Pakistan’s foreign policy narrative.
