ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has legions of aspiring political leaders, but few of them meet requirements of an ideal statesperson. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who has accomplished all that Pakistan wanted to from his Goa visit has exhibited all an ideal statesman needs to be armed with to defend his beleaguered country’s interests around world in tumultuous times like these.

Scion of Bhutto family showed incredible composure, maturity, statesmanship, dignity, command on language and sound knowledge of contemporary issues in his interactions with an increasingly hostile and toxic Indian media that survives and thrives on Pakistan-bashing. Not only did Bilawal eloquently articulate Pakistan’s viewpoint on various thorny issues between two arch-foes, but also effectively blunted criticism of Pakistan on issues of terrorism and religious intolerance by aggressive Indian television anchors with logic. Instead, he put them on back-foot by holding up mirror to them, especially on issue of growing religious intolerance in India. When confronted with accusations of Pakistan being involved in terrorism, he reminded host of India’s own cross-border terrorism in Pakistan, which has been causing havoc for years. He raised issues of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was arrested in 2016 from Balochistan and Samjhota Express blast, which snuffed out 70 lives in 2017.

Bilawal however said that turning issues like terrorism into political point-scoring would not solve issues at hand and it was time to move beyond emotional rhetoric and political grandstanding to focus on resolving real issues.

In his official address at SCO as well as during interview, Bilawal not only forcefully countered his Indian counterpart’s allegations of cross-border terrorism but urged cooperation among SCO members instead of weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point-scoring. PPP Chairman didn’t shy away from calling out host’s disregard for facts, pointing out that hate drives conversation to point where critical thinking is stifled. He stressed that countries could not resolve issues if they allowed themselves to be driven by emotions.

In bold move, Foreign Minister had proposed Pakistan, India and other SCO countries working together to address issues at hand, emphasising that it was time to move towards brighter and more peaceful future. To quote his words, Bilawal proposed creating “Our own history” instead of being hostage to history.

At time of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, Bilawal showed level of maturity and patience and calmly countered long-fed misinformation that has been circulating for years, explaining reality of situation with precision and clarity.

At times, interviewer seemed to be trying to put words in Bilawal’s mouth or trap him in corner with questions, but he refused to be drawn into war of words. Instead, he remained focused on key issues, addressing each point in turn and providing thoughtful responses, demonstrating his understanding of situation.

As interview progressed, Bilawal conveyed that Pakistan is genuinely committed to finding way to resolve ongoing tensions between two countries but only after India reviews it actions of August 5, 2019, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He raised issue of conducting a plebiscite in Kashmir, saying that generations of Kashmiris have been demanding that one thing as it would make things crystal clear.

During interview, Bilawal criticised India’s new Kashmir policy, stating that it violated principles of justice and fairness, international laws, UN resolutions and leaves Pakistan wondering if India would honor its commitments in future. He called it violation of everything India stands for, reminding that Pakistan cannot ignore injustice happening in Kashmir.

He also questioned Indian government’s actions during Gujarat riots, asking whether then Indian government was truly saving lives or was up to something else. “Evil exists everywhere in world but question is how you respond to it,” he said at point.

Recalling how he himself was victim of terrorism as result of his mother’s assassination, he said Benazir Bhutto’s manifestos was based on normalising relations with India, saying India’s actions on August 2019 have complicated issues.

Bilawal highlighted importance of peace and dialogue between two countries and stressed need to find mutually beneficial solution to imminent issues. While refusing to engage in any verbal sparring, he said “Our destiny is peace”.

Interview received widespread attention with people from all over world praising Foreign Minister’s composure and diplomacy. In tweet, former diplomat Abdul Basit said that he was impressed by Bilawal’s interview with Indian journalist. Basit, who served as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India said that Bilawal was superb on Kashmir.

 “Glad he also raised Kulbhushan Jadhav and Samjhota Express blast. Way Jaishankar reacted in his press conference only reflected his hubris and frustration,” Basit stated.

Michael Kugelman, Director of South Asia Institute at Wilson Center also tweeted, “There is much criticism of Pakistan FM’s visit to India for SCO, but he appears to have accomplished what Islamabad sought.”

Leading specialist on Afghanistan, India and Pakistan added that Bilawal participated in SCO deliberations, held separate sideline meetings with all SCO members except India and multilateral engagement on side.

Renowned public policy expert Mosharraf Zaidi tweeted, “Without very much effort other than showing up and speaking calmly Pakistan’s foreign minister prompted India’s government and media to show their true colours”.

Positive response from experts show that it was possible to have difficult conversations without resorting to hostility or aggression and that’s what Bhutto did in his visit to India.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 08 2023

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