<p>A video of Pakistan&rsquo;s former foreign minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bilawal-bhutto-zardari">Bilawal Bhutto Zardari</a> giving a speech has been making rounds on social media, with netizens making a comparison of Zardari with &lsquo;Rosesh Sarabhai&rsquo;, a popular character of TV series "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai".&nbsp;</p>
<p>The resemblance between Zardari and Rosesh has shocked netizens, as people find it quite hilarious.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the video, Rosesh is seen reciting one of his famous quirky poem, and Bilawal Bhutto was giving a speech at the 16th session of the Pakistan National Assembly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The tone, their voice modulation and the style of delivery - everything matched just perfectly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>People on social media started reacting to it, with hilarious comments.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/who-is-bilawal-bhutto-zardari-the-man-behind-the-blood-threat-to-india-9008031">Who is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the man behind the 'blood threat' to India?</a></strong></p>
<p>One of the users commented, "Still Rosesh is better", while another said, "He is a premium quality dubbing artist.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Another user commented on Instagram, "Please don&rsquo;t insult Rosesh Sarabhai."&nbsp;</p>
<p>One user also took a jibe at Bhutto, saying, "Rosesh would be a far better politician though."</p>
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<p>Indian comedian Zervaan J Bunshah, who posts funny content on Instagram, also posted a video, imitating Bhutto's speech in a hilarious way.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asaduddin-owaisi-strongly-hits-out-at-bilawal-bhutto-over-blood-will-flow-remark-9011156">'His mother was killed by...'; Asaduddin Owaisi strongly hits out at Bilawal Bhutto over 'blood will flow' remark</a></strong></p>
<p>Bunshah was dressed in a black suit just like a delegate and was seen mimicking Bhutto as it seemed he was apparently addressing the other members of Pakistan&rsquo;s assembly.</p>
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<p>&ldquo;That one random Pakistani reel," read the title of the clip. &ldquo;Bilullu is delulu," the caption read.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Bhutto has been quite popular among social media since the India-Pakistan engaged in conflict over the last three weeks.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/another-admission-of-supporting-terrorists-bilawal-bhutto-says-pakistan-has-a-past-days-after-ishaq-dar-backed-trf-9024913">Bilawal Bhutto says 'Pakistan has a past' in big admission of supporting terrorists, days after backing Pahalgam attackers</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Rosesh is seen reciting one of his famous quirky poem, and Bhutto was giving a speech at the 16th session of the Pakistan National Assembly. India News trending pakistan

A video of Pakistan’s former foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari giving a speech has been making rounds on social media, with netizens making a comparison of Zardari with ‘Rosesh Sarabhai’, a popular character of TV series "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai". The resemblance between Zardari and Rosesh has shocked netizens, as people find it quite hilarious. In the video, Rosesh is seen reciting one of his famous quirky poem, and Bilawal Bhutto was giving a speech at the 16th session of the Pakistan National Assembly. The tone, their voice modulation and the style of delivery - everything matched just perfectly. People on social media started reacting to it, with hilarious comments. Also read: Who is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the man behind the 'blood threat' to India? One of the users commented, "Still Rosesh is better", while another said, "He is a premium quality dubbing artist.” Another user commented on Instagram, "Please don’t insult Rosesh Sarabhai." One user also took a jibe at Bhutto, saying, "Rosesh would be a far better politician though." View this post on Instagram A post shared by R I K I (@contactriki) Indian comedian Zervaan J Bunshah, who posts funny content on Instagram, also posted a video, imitating Bhutto's speech in a hilarious way. Also read: 'His mother was killed by...'; Asaduddin Owaisi strongly hits out at Bilawal Bhutto over 'blood will flow' remark Bunshah was dressed in a black suit just like a delegate and was seen mimicking Bhutto as it seemed he was apparently addressing the other members of Pakistan’s assembly. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zervaan J Bunshah (@bunshah) “That one random Pakistani reel," read the title of the clip. “Bilullu is delulu," the caption read. Bhutto has been quite popular among social media since the India-Pakistan engaged in conflict over the last three weeks. Also read: Bilawal Bhutto says 'Pakistan has a past' in big admission of supporting terrorists, days after backing Pahalgam attackers

Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto reminds people of 'Rosesh' from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, netizens crack up | WATCH

<p>In yet another admission of harbouring terror, Pakistan's former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is an open secret that Pakistan has a past as far as extremist groups are concerned. Bhutto's remark comes after Pakistan's Defence Minister <span>Khawaja Asif</span>&nbsp;in an interview admitted that his country has been funding and backing terror groups right from the time of the Afghan war. Pakistan also shielded The Resistance Force (TRF) - the terror group which first claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack and then retracted - at the United Nations (UN) by getting its name removed from the statement on the Pahalgam attack.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In an interview with Sky News, Bhutto said, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think that it&rsquo;s a secret that Pakistan has a past as far as extremist groups are concerned.&rdquo;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-ma6fihvj-lfciihef-48om9lew">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">'Don't think it is a secret that Pakistan has a past', Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto on country's support to terrorism. Comes after Pakistan Defence Minister accepted country's support to terrorism. <a href="https://t.co/q3uVvtpOqO">pic.twitter.com/q3uVvtpOqO</a></p>
&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1918171585841692995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>Tensions between India and Pakistan has been rising after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) proxy group TRF claimed responsible for the attack but later, retracted their statement after India's stern action on Pakistan. Despite Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif calling for a "neutral probe," and denying any involvement in the attack, Pakistan has been making big admission of backing terror groups.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-in-panic-mode-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-meets-president-zardari-amid-indias-stern-action-post-pahalgam-terror-attack-9023708">Pakistan in panic mode: PM Shehbaz Sharif meets President Zardari amid India's stern action post-Pahalgam terror attack</a></strong></p>
<h2>Pakistani defence minister's huge admission of terror</h2>
<p>In a video clip that has now gone viral, Pakistan's defence minister <span>Khawaja Asif&nbsp;</span>was in conversation with Sky News's Yalda Hakim, when she asks him, "But you do admit, you do admit, sir, that Pakistan has had a long history of backing and supporting and training and funding these terrorist organisations?</p>
<p>Khawaja Asif in his reply says, "We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about 3 decades... and the west, including Britain...That was a mistake, and we suffered for that, and that is why you are saying this to me. If we had not joined the war against the Soviet Union and later on the war after 9/11, Pakistan's track record was unimpeachable." Dar had also said that Pakistan had an active role in supporting the Mujahideen during the first Afghan war. "Pakistan went through wave after wave of extremism&hellip; we suffered," he said.</p>
<p>He also claimed an &ldquo;imminent Indian military incursion&rdquo;, however, backtracked from his statement claiming that his remarks were "<span>misinterpretated</span>". Asif told the Geo News, &ldquo;I think it has been misinterpreted on some other channel...They asked me what are the chances of war, so I said that the next two to three days were crucial."</p>
<p><strong>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-want-to-demoralise-forces-supreme-court-rebukes-pahalgam-attack-petitioners-seeking-judicial-probe-9022307">'You want to demoralise our forces?': Supreme Court rebukes petitioners seeking judicial probe into Pahalgam attack</a></strong></p>
<p>Pakistan is in panic mode with its top leaders huddling regularly. On Thursday (May 1) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed the current security situation, and said that they are standing with their armed forces. Pakistan's Deputy PM Dar, and Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, were also present during the meeting.</p>
<p><strong>Read More |<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-mulls-blocking-postal-services-with-pakistan-its-websites-amid-rising-indo-pak-tensions-post-pahalgam-attack-9022438" rel="noopener" target="_blank">India mulls blocking postal services with Pakistan, its websites amid rising Indo-Pak tensions post Pahalgam attack</a></strong></p>
<h2>Pahalgam terror attack</h2>
<p>A terror attack on April 22 in Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district killed 26 tourists. An offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) - The Resistance Front (TRF) - claimed responsibility for the attack. However, they retracted their statement on April 26, claiming that its social media was compromised. The Indian government launched a massive crackdown against the terrorists and released sketches of three terrorists who were responsible for the attack. As per J&amp;K Police, two terrorists involved in the attack were Pakistani nationals and the third, was a resident of Anantnag in Kashmir. His home along with the homes of several other terrorists, have been demolished.</p>
<p>On the diplomatic front, the Indian government halted the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled its diplomats, called back Indian officials from Islamabad, closed the Attari border and its airspace for Pakistani flights. India is also planning to block postal services and Pakistani IP (websites). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I say to the whole world. India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth."&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Read More |<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-target-kashmiris-muslims-appeals-widow-of-navy-officer-killed-in-pahalgam-terror-attack-9023200" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Don't target Kashmiris, Muslims', appeals widow of Navy officer killed in Pahalgam terror attack</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

In yet another admission of harbouring terror, Pakistan's former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is an open secret that Pakistan has a past as far as extremist groups are concerned.

In yet another admission of harbouring terror, Pakistan's former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is an open secret that Pakistan has a past as far as extremist groups are concerned. Bhutto's remark comes after Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in an interview admitted that his country has been funding and backing terror groups right from the time of the Afghan war. Pakistan also shielded The Resistance Force (TRF) - the terror group which first claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack and then retracted - at the United Nations (UN) by getting its name removed from the statement on the Pahalgam attack. In an interview with Sky News, Bhutto said, “I don’t think that it’s a secret that Pakistan has a past as far as extremist groups are concerned.” 'Don't think it is a secret that Pakistan has a past', Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto on country's support to terrorism. Comes after Pakistan Defence Minister accepted country's support to terrorism. pic.twitter.com/q3uVvtpOqO — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 2, 2025 Tensions between India and Pakistan has been rising after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) proxy group TRF claimed responsible for the attack but later, retracted their statement after India's stern action on Pakistan. Despite Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif calling for a "neutral probe," and denying any involvement in the attack, Pakistan has been making big admission of backing terror groups. Read More | Pakistan in panic mode: PM Shehbaz Sharif meets President Zardari amid India's stern action post-Pahalgam terror attack Pakistani defence minister's huge admission of terror In a video clip that has now gone viral, Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif was in conversation with Sky News's Yalda Hakim, when she asks him, "But you do admit, you do admit, sir, that Pakistan has had a long history of backing and supporting and training and funding these terrorist organisations? Khawaja Asif in his reply says, "We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about 3 decades... and the west, including Britain...That was a mistake, and we suffered for that, and that is why you are saying this to me. If we had not joined the war against the Soviet Union and later on the war after 9/11, Pakistan's track record was unimpeachable." Dar had also said that Pakistan had an active role in supporting the Mujahideen during the first Afghan war. "Pakistan went through wave after wave of extremism… we suffered," he said. He also claimed an “imminent Indian military incursion”, however, backtracked from his statement claiming that his remarks were "misinterpretated". Asif told the Geo News, “I think it has been misinterpreted on some other channel...They asked me what are the chances of war, so I said that the next two to three days were crucial." Read More | 'You want to demoralise our forces?': Supreme Court rebukes petitioners seeking judicial probe into Pahalgam attack Pakistan is in panic mode with its top leaders huddling regularly. On Thursday (May 1) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed the current security situation, and said that they are standing with their armed forces. Pakistan's Deputy PM Dar, and Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, were also present during the meeting. Read More | India mulls blocking postal services with Pakistan, its websites amid rising Indo-Pak tensions post Pahalgam attack Pahalgam terror attack A terror attack on April 22 in Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district killed 26 tourists. An offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) - The Resistance Front (TRF) - claimed responsibility for the attack. However, they retracted their statement on April 26, claiming that its social media was compromised. The Indian government launched a massive crackdown against the terrorists and released sketches of three terrorists who were responsible for the attack. As per J&K Police, two terrorists involved in the attack were Pakistani nationals and the third, was a resident of Anantnag in Kashmir. His home along with the homes of several other terrorists, have been demolished. On the diplomatic front, the Indian government halted the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled its diplomats, called back Indian officials from Islamabad, closed the Attari border and its airspace for Pakistani flights. India is also planning to block postal services and Pakistani IP (websites). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I say to the whole world. India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth." Read More | 'Don't target Kashmiris, Muslims', appeals widow of Navy officer killed in Pahalgam terror attack

Bilawal Bhutto says 'Pakistan has a past' in big admission of supporting terrorists, days after backing Pahalgam attackers

<p>Instead of denouncing the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s Pahalgam, carried out by terrorists backed by Pakistan or acknowledging responsibility, Pakistan&rsquo;s former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari delivered a provocative speech, threatening India with violence over the suspension of Indus Waters Treaty.</p>
<h2><strong>'Either our water or their blood'</strong></h2>
<p>Speaking at a public gathering, Bhutto said, &ldquo;I would like to stand beside this Indus river and tell India that Indus is ours and it will remain ours or our water will flow through this river or their blood will flow through it.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-brother-is-mujahideen-big-admission-by-sister-of-pahalgam-attack-terrorist-after-house-demolition-9002134" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'My brother is Mujahideen': BIG admission by sister of Pahalgam attack terrorist after house demolition</a></strong></p>
<p>After the terror attack that killed at least 27 people, India responded with a series of diplomatic measures. Among them is the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Bhutto continued, &ldquo;This time, India has attacked Sindhu. You must have heard that there was an incident of terrorism in occupied Kashmir. We all condemned that incident of terrorism. We said that Pakistan is also affected by terrorism. The people of Pakistan are also fighting terrorism. So, we also condemn the incident of terrorism that happened in occupied Kashmir. But India has blamed Pakistan for it.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seeking-attention-daughter-of-malayali-tourist-killed-in-pahalgam-now-faces-online-abuse-not-from-terrorists-but-9001684" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Seeking attention': Daughter of Kerala tourist killed in Pahalgam now faces online abuse, not from terrorists but...</a></strong></p>
<p>Bhutto, who heads the Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party, added, &ldquo;India may have a larger population than us, but the people of Pakistan are brave, we are brave people. We will fight you bravely. We will fight you in Pakistan. Our voices on the borders will give you a befitting reply.&rdquo;</p>
<p>He added, &ldquo;This river belongs to all of us. It belongs to the whole of Pakistan. And at this moment our enemy, our neighbouring country, is eyeing our river. The whole of Pakistan will have to unite and fight them.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-kerela-woman-recalls-horror-of-9001164" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;He said Kalma, then shot my father&rsquo;: Woman recalls horror of Pahalgam terror attack</a></strong></p>
<p>The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered with World Bank assistance, had previously withstood two wars between India and Pakistan.</p>
<p><strong>Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pahalgam-attack-rage-in-india-worry-in-pak-as-people-demand-justice-9002588">Pahalgam attack: Rage in India, worry in Pak as people demand justice</a></strong></p>

Pakistan: After the terror attack that killed at least 27 people, India responded with a series of diplomatic measures. Among them is the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Instead of denouncing the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, carried out by terrorists backed by Pakistan or acknowledging responsibility, Pakistan’s former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari delivered a provocative speech, threatening India with violence over the suspension of Indus Waters Treaty. 'Either our water or their blood' Speaking at a public gathering, Bhutto said, “I would like to stand beside this Indus river and tell India that Indus is ours and it will remain ours or our water will flow through this river or their blood will flow through it.” Also read: 'My brother is Mujahideen': BIG admission by sister of Pahalgam attack terrorist after house demolition After the terror attack that killed at least 27 people, India responded with a series of diplomatic measures. Among them is the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Bhutto continued, “This time, India has attacked Sindhu. You must have heard that there was an incident of terrorism in occupied Kashmir. We all condemned that incident of terrorism. We said that Pakistan is also affected by terrorism. The people of Pakistan are also fighting terrorism. So, we also condemn the incident of terrorism that happened in occupied Kashmir. But India has blamed Pakistan for it.” Also read: 'Seeking attention': Daughter of Kerala tourist killed in Pahalgam now faces online abuse, not from terrorists but... Bhutto, who heads the Pakistan People’s Party, added, “India may have a larger population than us, but the people of Pakistan are brave, we are brave people. We will fight you bravely. We will fight you in Pakistan. Our voices on the borders will give you a befitting reply.” He added, “This river belongs to all of us. It belongs to the whole of Pakistan. And at this moment our enemy, our neighbouring country, is eyeing our river. The whole of Pakistan will have to unite and fight them.” Also read: ‘He said Kalma, then shot my father’: Woman recalls horror of Pahalgam terror attack The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered with World Bank assistance, had previously withstood two wars between India and Pakistan. Watch: Pahalgam attack: Rage in India, worry in Pak as people demand justice

'Either our water will flow or their blood...': Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto's war pitch over Indus Waters Treaty after Pahalgam attack

<p>Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomacy has taken a visible hit, with fewer engagements with countries that matter.<br>Look at China, for instance; there has been the usual exchange but nothing out of the ordinary. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been there once since taking charge last year.<br>The Chinese Prime Minister visited Pakistan, a first in 11 years, but that too was clubbed with Islamabad&rsquo;s hosting of the SCO Heads of Governments meeting.<br><br>Not to forget the ongoing onslaught by Baloch rebels against the China-Pakistan economic corridor and Beijing&rsquo;s constant insistence on providing security.<br>And onto the other side of the sphere, with the US, there has barely been any significant movement.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-hints-at-leash-on-elon-musk-as-doge-ramps-up-government-purge-8690491" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>&nbsp;</span></a></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-hints-at-leash-on-elon-musk-as-doge-ramps-up-government-purge-8690491" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Can&rsquo;t and won&rsquo;t do anything without approval&rsquo;: Trump hints at leash on Musk as DOGE ramps up government purge</a><br><br>Pakistan&rsquo;s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was recently in the United States and held meetings courtesy of a lobbyist, but that did not go well as the lobbyist made him attend an event that was sponsored by an Anti-CCP firm, which drew a lot of criticism to the point that the Pakistani Foreign Office had to come out clear on the One China principle. Besides, what embarrassed Naqvi even more was the fact that the senators he met ended up tweeting &ldquo;Free Imran Khan&rdquo;.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read |<span>&nbsp;</span></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sued-by-diversity-officers-in-an-attempt-to-block-anti-diversity-orders-8690162" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump sued by diversity officers in an attempt to block anti-diversity orders</a><br><br>The Pakistani Foreign Minister is yet to speak to the new administration in the US; in fact, the new administration is yet to even acknowledge something called the elected Pakistani government.<br><br>Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to his former US counterpart twice in a year, and he has written a letter to the new Secretary of State Marc Rubio, which is yet to be responded to. The Prime Minister&rsquo;s customary felicitation to the US president is also in vain visibly, and in the absence of a phone call &ndash; things have not been well to politely put it.</p>
<p>Amidst this, Pakistan&rsquo;s experienced father and son duo, though they are not formally part of the government, has essentially taken upon them to get Pakistan on the diplomacy front.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read |<span>&nbsp;</span></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-school-shooting-five-people-shot-at-in-school-in-orebro-8690494" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Danger 'not over': Police warn as five people shot at in school in central Sweden</a></p>
<p>President Asif Ali Zardari is en route to China on a five-day state visit, and his agenda, as per Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reads, &ldquo;discussions will encompass the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations, with a particular focus on economic and trade cooperation; counter-terrorism and security collaboration; China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and future connectivity initiatives&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Why is this important? &ndash; You see the PPP has a history with the Chinese side, be that facilitating the Kissinger visits to China back in the 1970s to piloting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor during the PPP rule in Pakistan from 2008 to 2013. The trust that the Chinese side has in the Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party, commonly known as the PPP, is quite telling. The ruling Chinese Community Party and Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party have regular working-level exchanges, with both sides hosting each other&rsquo;s delegations, once a year. Asif Ali Zardari, during his first stint as Pakistan&rsquo;s president, visited China at least 7 times in the five-year tenure.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-wants-ukraine-to-repay-us-aid-with-rare-earths-what-are-rare-earth-elements-8689845" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Also read: Trump wants Ukraine to repay US aid with 'rare earths': What are they and why does he want them?</strong></a></p>
<p>Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, is currently in the United States, where he will be attending the National Prayer Breakfast with President Trump.&nbsp;<br>In his term as the Foreign Minister a little over a year ago, Bilawal was the last foreign minister of Pakistan to have engaged with the US Administration in person. He met the then US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during his bilateral visit to Washington, DC, in September 2022.&nbsp;<br><br>While the father&mdash;President Asif Ali Zardari&mdash;will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping on 5th February in Beijing, hours later, Bilawal, the son, will be sharing the room with US President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, on 6th February.</p>
<p>As per reports in the Pakistani media, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was initially scheduled to travel to China with his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, but an invite for the Prayer breakfast with President Trump is what seemingly made Bilawal change his plans.<br><br>And since the Shehbaz Sharif government took charge, the in-person engagements or even phone call engagements, with the US, have been almost nonexistent.</p>
<p>So, the question is, will the father-son duo be able to revive Islamabad&rsquo;s diplomacy and make Pakistan relevant for both the US and China?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

South Asia | Pakistan: The Pakistani Foreign Minister is yet to speak to the new administration in the US; in fact, the new administration is yet to even acknowledge something called the elected Pakistani government.

Pakistan’s diplomacy has taken a visible hit, with fewer engagements with countries that matter. Look at China, for instance; there has been the usual exchange but nothing out of the ordinary. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been there once since taking charge last year. The Chinese Prime Minister visited Pakistan, a first in 11 years, but that too was clubbed with Islamabad’s hosting of the SCO Heads of Governments meeting. Not to forget the ongoing onslaught by Baloch rebels against the China-Pakistan economic corridor and Beijing’s constant insistence on providing security. And onto the other side of the sphere, with the US, there has barely been any significant movement. Also Read | ‘Can’t and won’t do anything without approval’: Trump hints at leash on Musk as DOGE ramps up government purge Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was recently in the United States and held meetings courtesy of a lobbyist, but that did not go well as the lobbyist made him attend an event that was sponsored by an Anti-CCP firm, which drew a lot of criticism to the point that the Pakistani Foreign Office had to come out clear on the One China principle. Besides, what embarrassed Naqvi even more was the fact that the senators he met ended up tweeting “Free Imran Khan”. Also Read | Trump sued by diversity officers in an attempt to block anti-diversity orders The Pakistani Foreign Minister is yet to speak to the new administration in the US; in fact, the new administration is yet to even acknowledge something called the elected Pakistani government. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to his former US counterpart twice in a year, and he has written a letter to the new Secretary of State Marc Rubio, which is yet to be responded to. The Prime Minister’s customary felicitation to the US president is also in vain visibly, and in the absence of a phone call – things have not been well to politely put it. Amidst this, Pakistan’s experienced father and son duo, though they are not formally part of the government, has essentially taken upon them to get Pakistan on the diplomacy front. Also Read | Danger 'not over': Police warn as five people shot at in school in central Sweden President Asif Ali Zardari is en route to China on a five-day state visit, and his agenda, as per Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reads, “discussions will encompass the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations, with a particular focus on economic and trade cooperation; counter-terrorism and security collaboration; China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and future connectivity initiatives”. Why is this important? – You see the PPP has a history with the Chinese side, be that facilitating the Kissinger visits to China back in the 1970s to piloting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor during the PPP rule in Pakistan from 2008 to 2013. The trust that the Chinese side has in the Pakistan People’s Party, commonly known as the PPP, is quite telling. The ruling Chinese Community Party and Pakistan People’s Party have regular working-level exchanges, with both sides hosting each other’s delegations, once a year. Asif Ali Zardari, during his first stint as Pakistan’s president, visited China at least 7 times in the five-year tenure. Also read: Trump wants Ukraine to repay US aid with 'rare earths': What are they and why does he want them? Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, is currently in the United States, where he will be attending the National Prayer Breakfast with President Trump. In his term as the Foreign Minister a little over a year ago, Bilawal was the last foreign minister of Pakistan to have engaged with the US Administration in person. He met the then US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during his bilateral visit to Washington, DC, in September 2022. While the father—President Asif Ali Zardari—will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping on 5th February in Beijing, hours later, Bilawal, the son, will be sharing the room with US President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, on 6th February. As per reports in the Pakistani media, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was initially scheduled to travel to China with his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, but an invite for the Prayer breakfast with President Trump is what seemingly made Bilawal change his plans. And since the Shehbaz Sharif government took charge, the in-person engagements or even phone call engagements, with the US, have been almost nonexistent. So, the question is, will the father-son duo be able to revive Islamabad’s diplomacy and make Pakistan relevant for both the US and China?

Pakistan’s father-son duo on path to rescue Islamabad’s diplomacy?

<p>The US has acknowledged claims made by Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on accusations of alleged mismanagement of USD 400 million received by Pakistan in loans and aid from the World Bank, meant for flood relief actions in the country.</p>

<p>According to Ary News, Bilawal accused the central government of Pakistan of appropriating funds that were originally intended for flood victims and utilising them for other unrelated projects.</p>

<p>Bilawal condemned the government for its inability to construct a single house for flood victims in recent years and demanded that the aid be redirected to its intended purpose.</p>

<p>Responding to the allegations, US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, in a press briefing on October 2, emphasised that the United States was closely monitoring the situation. He said, "We take this matter very seriously, not just in Pakistan but also wherever American taxpayer dollars are used, and where urgent humanitarian interests are at stake".</p>

<p>Miller explained that both the State Department and USAID follow strict protocols to monitor and evaluate the use of foreign aid given by the country to other countries in need. This is done to ensure transparency and accountability.</p>

<p>"We halt assistance when we observe any misdirection or misuse of funds," he added, indicating potential concerns over the misuse of flood relief resources in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Pakistan has been facing a climate crisis in recent years. These extreme weather events include heatwaves, cyclones, floods and glacier melting that resulted in the catastrophic 2022 floods. The Climate Risk Index has included Pakistan in the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change.</p>

<p>Ary News reported that the allegations by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the US'&nbsp;swift acknowledgement of the situation have heightened the attention on the Pakistan government's handling of international aid, especially that coming for humanitarian efforts into the country.</p>

<p>According to Asian Development Bank, climatic changes are expected to have wide-ranging impacts on Pakistan, affecting agricultural productivity, water availability, and increased frequency of extreme climatic events. These risks have been translated into economic crises, damaging lives and threatening the livelihoods of Pakistani citizens.</p>

<p>The mismanagement of funds accusation makes matters worse for PM of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif as a trust deficit expressed through these allegations will make it tougher for the country to secure aid, grants and loans from organisations and other countries as Pakistan continues to reel under severe economic stress.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The US has acknowledged claims made by Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on accusations of alleged mismanagement of USD 400 million received by Pakistan in loans and aid from the World Bank, meant for flood relief actions in the country.

The US has acknowledged claims made by Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on accusations of alleged mismanagement of USD 400 million received by Pakistan in loans and aid from the World Bank, meant for flood relief actions in the country. According to Ary News, Bilawal accused the central government of Pakistan of appropriating funds that were originally intended for flood victims and utilising them for other unrelated projects. Bilawal condemned the government for its inability to construct a single house for flood victims in recent years and demanded that the aid be redirected to its intended purpose. Responding to the allegations, US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, in a press briefing on October 2, emphasised that the United States was closely monitoring the situation. He said, "We take this matter very seriously, not just in Pakistan but also wherever American taxpayer dollars are used, and where urgent humanitarian interests are at stake". Miller explained that both the State Department and USAID follow strict protocols to monitor and evaluate the use of foreign aid given by the country to other countries in need. This is done to ensure transparency and accountability. "We halt assistance when we observe any misdirection or misuse of funds," he added, indicating potential concerns over the misuse of flood relief resources in Pakistan. Pakistan has been facing a climate crisis in recent years. These extreme weather events include heatwaves, cyclones, floods and glacier melting that resulted in the catastrophic 2022 floods. The Climate Risk Index has included Pakistan in the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change. Ary News reported that the allegations by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the US' swift acknowledgement of the situation have heightened the attention on the Pakistan government's handling of international aid, especially that coming for humanitarian efforts into the country. According to Asian Development Bank, climatic changes are expected to have wide-ranging impacts on Pakistan, affecting agricultural productivity, water availability, and increased frequency of extreme climatic events. These risks have been translated into economic crises, damaging lives and threatening the livelihoods of Pakistani citizens. The mismanagement of funds accusation makes matters worse for PM of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif as a trust deficit expressed through these allegations will make it tougher for the country to secure aid, grants and loans from organisations and other countries as Pakistan continues to reel under severe economic stress. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US takes note of Pakistan govt's $400 million alleged mismanagement of flood relief loans

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari offered the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) support in forming its government at the Centre but in return sought to see his father, Asif Ali Zardari, become president.

Pakistan: Bilawal wants Asif Ali Zardari to become the next President

With the general elections just a week away, campaigning has peaked in Pakistan. One of the three main parties in the fray is the Pakistan Peoples Party, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Our Pakistan bureau chief, Anas Malick, caught up with him on a range of issues, including the party's electoral prospects, the possibility of allying with current rivals and his party's approach towards neighbour India.

Imran Khan has only played fixed matches, says PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

WION's exclusive interview with Pakistan Peoples Party PM candidate Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. What is PPP's outlook for Pakistan's upcoming elections? Watch to know more.

WION's exclusive interview with Pakistan Peoples Party PM candidate Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

<p>Youth appeal and ambitious plans to combat climate change form the core of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's effort to become Prime Minister of Pakistan, which, if successful, would make him its youngest Premier since his mother Benazir was in office.</p>

<p>As the Feb. 8 general elections draw near, the 35-year-old former foreign minister and scion of Bhutto family that gave the nation two Prime Ministers, called for new ideas and leadership to calm political and economic instability.</p>

<p>"The implications of the decisions taken today are going to be faced by the youth of Pakistan," Bilawal told Reuters in Larkana, his hometown in the southern province of Sind, a family bastion.</p>

<p>"I think it would be better if they were allowed to make those decisions."</p>

<p>About two-thirds of Pakistan's population of 241 million is younger than 30, while its Prime Ministers since 2000 have been older than 61, on average.</p>

<p>The Oxford-educated Bhutto is less than half the age of three-time Premier Nawaz Sharif, 74, whom analysts consider the frontrunner in next month's election, and former cricket superstar Imran Khan, 71, who won the last election in 2018.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Bilawal Bhutto attacks Nawaz Sharif's 'old politics' of corruption, vendetta</strong></p>

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<p>The eventual winner faces the task of reviving a struggling $350-billion economy grappling with historic inflation and an unstable currency that limit growth and job opportunities for the young.</p>

<p>The South Asian nation received a $3-billion loan programme from the IMF in July that averted a sovereign debt default in a standby arrangement set to expire this spring.</p>

<p>Bhutto plans to tap into widespread anger, saying he has a concrete plan to provide free electricity and boost social safety programmes, despite fiscal constraints.</p>

<p>"What we propose is to completely restructure Pakistan's development model, putting the threat of climate change front and centre," he said, in a reflection of his party's election manifesto.</p>

<p>Making a promise rare in Pakistan, it aims to ensure that funds exceeding $10 billion pledged last year go to fight climate change, after super floods in 2022 that displaced more than 7 million people.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-political-debate-turned-ugly-as-father-killed-son-over-hoisting-ptis-flag-682932">Pakistan: Political debate turns ugly as father kills son over hoisting PTI’s flag</a></strong></p>

<p>A member of Pakistan's most powerful political dynasty, Bhutto spoke in an interview during a gruelling four-week campaign that took him to more than 33 towns, while other parties began canvassing just last week.</p>

<p>He is the son of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, assassinated while on a campaign trail in 2007, and the grandson of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, hanged by a military dictator in 1979, both still venerated by Pakistanis.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reopens-border-crossing-with-afghanistan-after-deadlock-over-visa-requirements-683062">Pakistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan after deadlock over visa requirements</a></strong></p>

<p>If Bhutto wins the election, subject to the vagaries of government formation, calculations show he could be just 25 days short of his mother's age on entering office in 1988, at the earliest.</p>

<p>"I haven't actually counted, but ... I think she was the youngest," he responded, when asked how he rated his chances.</p>

<p><strong>Alternative choice</strong><br />
<br />
However, his Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has lost space to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of Sharif and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of Khan, who have been locked in a bruising political battle for more than a decade.</p>

<p>Positioning himself as an alternate to them in 2024, he recently called on supporters of Khan to vote for him while their leader is in jail.</p>

<p>In the 2013 elections, the PPP came second after Sharif's party, garnering 42 of the 342 seats up for grabs. In 2018, with 54 seats, it was runner-up to the parties of both Sharif and Khan.</p>

<p>Bhutto ruled out joining hands with either contender, however, saying he preferred to form a government with independent candidates.</p>

<p>"You know, lots of independent politicians, probably the highest (number) in our history, are taking part in the coming elections," he added.</p>

<p>Most of the independents belong to Khan's party, which lost the right this month to contest on a single platform, making the approaching election the most open in recent times.</p>

<p>However, one analyst felt the role of Prime Minister might be a tough goal for Bhutto, saying his party had struggled to build its political strength.</p>

<p>"One might be tempted to look at Bilawal as a dark horse candidate for Prime Minister," said Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center's South Asia Institute, as he appeared to be favoured by the military and had been foreign minister.</p>

<p>"But I don't see him as prime minister material just yet," Kugelman added. "The election will likely lead to a coalition government, and Mr. Bilawal could be in the mix for a cabinet-level position, but the top slot is likely too much of a reach."</p>

<p>Instead, Pakistan's army may prefer more experienced leaders, such as Sharif, he said.</p>

<p>Analysts believe the powerful military has thrown its backing to Sharif following a standoff with Khan, giving the former an edge in a country where army generals exert undue influence over setting up governments.</p>

<p>The military denies the accusations, and says it remains apolitical.</p>

<p>Bhutto asked if he thought the military-backed Sharif, responded, "He's certainly giving the impression that he is relying on something other than the people of Pakistan to become Prime Minister for the fourth time."</p>

<p>Questions of transparency will hover over the 2024 elections, just as with earlier ones, he added, but he and his party hoped to win against expectations.</p>

<p>Pushed into the political fray as a teenager in 2007, after his mother's assassination,&nbsp;Bhutto later inherited her party but steered clear of politics until he finished his education.</p>

<p>His father, Asif Ali Zardari, was elected President after Benazir's death.</p>

<p>Bilawal won a parliamentary seat in his first contest in 2018, which was followed by a 16-month stint as Foreign Minister, until August 2023.</p>


Youth appeal and ambitious plans to combat climate change form the core of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's effort to become Prime Minister of Pakistan, which, if successful, would make him its youngest Premier since his mother Benazir was in office.

Youth appeal and ambitious plans to combat climate change form the core of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's effort to become Prime Minister of Pakistan, which, if successful, would make him its youngest Premier since his mother Benazir was in office. As the Feb. 8 general elections draw near, the 35-year-old former foreign minister and scion of Bhutto family that gave the nation two Prime Ministers, called for new ideas and leadership to calm political and economic instability. "The implications of the decisions taken today are going to be faced by the youth of Pakistan," Bilawal told Reuters in Larkana, his hometown in the southern province of Sind, a family bastion. "I think it would be better if they were allowed to make those decisions." About two-thirds of Pakistan's population of 241 million is younger than 30, while its Prime Ministers since 2000 have been older than 61, on average. The Oxford-educated Bhutto is less than half the age of three-time Premier Nawaz Sharif, 74, whom analysts consider the frontrunner in next month's election, and former cricket superstar Imran Khan, 71, who won the last election in 2018. Watch | Bilawal Bhutto attacks Nawaz Sharif's 'old politics' of corruption, vendetta × The eventual winner faces the task of reviving a struggling $350-billion economy grappling with historic inflation and an unstable currency that limit growth and job opportunities for the young. The South Asian nation received a $3-billion loan programme from the IMF in July that averted a sovereign debt default in a standby arrangement set to expire this spring. Bhutto plans to tap into widespread anger, saying he has a concrete plan to provide free electricity and boost social safety programmes, despite fiscal constraints. "What we propose is to completely restructure Pakistan's development model, putting the threat of climate change front and centre," he said, in a reflection of his party's election manifesto. Making a promise rare in Pakistan, it aims to ensure that funds exceeding $10 billion pledged last year go to fight climate change, after super floods in 2022 that displaced more than 7 million people. Also Read | Pakistan: Political debate turns ugly as father kills son over hoisting PTI’s flag A member of Pakistan's most powerful political dynasty, Bhutto spoke in an interview during a gruelling four-week campaign that took him to more than 33 towns, while other parties began canvassing just last week. He is the son of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, assassinated while on a campaign trail in 2007, and the grandson of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, hanged by a military dictator in 1979, both still venerated by Pakistanis. Also Read | Pakistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan after deadlock over visa requirements If Bhutto wins the election, subject to the vagaries of government formation, calculations show he could be just 25 days short of his mother's age on entering office in 1988, at the earliest. "I haven't actually counted, but ... I think she was the youngest," he responded, when asked how he rated his chances. Alternative choice However, his Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has lost space to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of Sharif and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of Khan, who have been locked in a bruising political battle for more than a decade. Positioning himself as an alternate to them in 2024, he recently called on supporters of Khan to vote for him while their leader is in jail. In the 2013 elections, the PPP came second after Sharif's party, garnering 42 of the 342 seats up for grabs. In 2018, with 54 seats, it was runner-up to the parties of both Sharif and Khan. Bhutto ruled out joining hands with either contender, however, saying he preferred to form a government with independent candidates. "You know, lots of independent politicians, probably the highest (number) in our history, are taking part in the coming elections," he added. Most of the independents belong to Khan's party, which lost the right this month to contest on a single platform, making the approaching election the most open in recent times. However, one analyst felt the role of Prime Minister might be a tough goal for Bhutto, saying his party had struggled to build its political strength. "One might be tempted to look at Bilawal as a dark horse candidate for Prime Minister," said Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center's South Asia Institute, as he appeared to be favoured by the military and had been foreign minister. "But I don't see him as prime minister material just yet," Kugelman added. "The election will likely lead to a coalition government, and Mr. Bilawal could be in the mix for a cabinet-level position, but the top slot is likely too much of a reach." Instead, Pakistan's army may prefer more experienced leaders, such as Sharif, he said. Analysts believe the powerful military has thrown its backing to Sharif following a standoff with Khan, giving the former an edge in a country where army generals exert undue influence over setting up governments. The military denies the accusations, and says it remains apolitical. Bhutto asked if he thought the military-backed Sharif, responded, "He's certainly giving the impression that he is relying on something other than the people of Pakistan to become Prime Minister for the fourth time." Questions of transparency will hover over the 2024 elections, just as with earlier ones, he added, but he and his party hoped to win against expectations. Pushed into the political fray as a teenager in 2007, after his mother's assassination, Bhutto later inherited her party but steered clear of politics until he finished his education. His father, Asif Ali Zardari, was elected President after Benazir's death. Bilawal won a parliamentary seat in his first contest in 2018, which was followed by a 16-month stint as Foreign Minister, until August 2023.

Bhutto scion aims to focus on Pakistan’s youth, break with old politics

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announces 10 10-pointer party manifesto for 8th Feb 2024 elections during a party gathering at Garhi Khuda Bux. Bilawal Bhutto announces candidacy for Prime Ministerhip subject to his party’s Central Executive Committee’s approval.

PPP'S Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announces candidature for Pak PM

<p>Ahead of the February general elections, the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that his party won’t accept the results if any external interference is observed.</p>

<p>He claimed while speaking at a workers’ convention that parties with a two-thirds majority in the current parliament have agreed on the future setup. However, he stopped short of naming the parties he was referring to.</p>

<p>Notably, Bilawal’s party had backed the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) in the previous coalition government with Shehbaz Sharif being the prime minister.</p>

<h2><strong>Bhutto urges CJP and CEC to ensure fair elections</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, he also urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to ensure a level playing field for all parties and fair elections.</p>

<p>“State institutions should play their role within the constitutional framework to ensure free, fair and impartial elections to steer the country out of the existing economic crisis,” he was quoted by Dawn as saying.</p>

<p>“We will accept only the decision of people’s vote and will not accept anyone else’s decision at all, because the existing problems can be solved only by a government elected by the people,” he said.</p>

<p>He also expressed doubts about how those who had run away from local elections were suddenly claiming that they would get a two-thirds majority, taking a jab at the Pakistan Muslim League party.</p>

<h2><strong>PTI expresses similar concerns</strong></h2>

<p>Along with Bhutto, former prime minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has also levelled allegations of election interference.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan?</strong></p>

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<p>Both parties allege the caretaker government was giving "preferential treatment" to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and that attempts were being made to pave the way for PML-N's return to power.</p>

<h2><strong>Caretaker PM hits back</strong></h2>

<p>Responding to the allegations, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said Sunday (Nov 19) that the “victim card” could be a “narrative” of any political party.</p>

<p>In an interview with Pakistan’s Geo News, Kakar said holding the elections at the earliest was his utmost priority. “We want to hand over the responsibilities to the [upcoming] elected government,” he was quoted as saying.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-acquits-ex-pm-shehbaz-ten-others-in-major-housing-corruption-case-660318"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan court acquits ex-PM Shehbaz Sharif, 10 others in major housing corruption case</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, the general elections are scheduled for February 8, 2024, as announced by the ECP.</p>

<p>The notice stated that the general elections would be held on February 8, 2024, in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of the February general elections, the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that his party won’t accept the results if any external interference is observed.

Ahead of the February general elections, the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that his party won’t accept the results if any external interference is observed. He claimed while speaking at a workers’ convention that parties with a two-thirds majority in the current parliament have agreed on the future setup. However, he stopped short of naming the parties he was referring to. Notably, Bilawal’s party had backed the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) in the previous coalition government with Shehbaz Sharif being the prime minister. Bhutto urges CJP and CEC to ensure fair elections Earlier, he also urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to ensure a level playing field for all parties and fair elections. “State institutions should play their role within the constitutional framework to ensure free, fair and impartial elections to steer the country out of the existing economic crisis,” he was quoted by Dawn as saying. “We will accept only the decision of people’s vote and will not accept anyone else’s decision at all, because the existing problems can be solved only by a government elected by the people,” he said. He also expressed doubts about how those who had run away from local elections were suddenly claiming that they would get a two-thirds majority, taking a jab at the Pakistan Muslim League party. PTI expresses similar concerns Along with Bhutto, former prime minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has also levelled allegations of election interference. Watch: Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan? × Both parties allege the caretaker government was giving "preferential treatment" to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and that attempts were being made to pave the way for PML-N's return to power. Caretaker PM hits back Responding to the allegations, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said Sunday (Nov 19) that the “victim card” could be a “narrative” of any political party. In an interview with Pakistan’s Geo News, Kakar said holding the elections at the earliest was his utmost priority. “We want to hand over the responsibilities to the [upcoming] elected government,” he was quoted as saying. Also read: Pakistan court acquits ex-PM Shehbaz Sharif, 10 others in major housing corruption case Notably, the general elections are scheduled for February 8, 2024, as announced by the ECP. The notice stated that the general elections would be held on February 8, 2024, in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Won’t accept poll results if meddling takes place, PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto warns

<p>Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned the Taliban that Pakistan would take military action in Afghanistan in order to thwart terrorist activities emanating from the neighbouring country.</p>

<p>"We will act under international law to defend ourselves. If the Afghan authorities do not act, then action inside can be one of the options, but not the first option," he said during an event on Tuesday (August 1) in Islamabad.</p>

<p>Bhutto, however, hoped that the Afghan government would take suitable action against the terror groups threatening Pakistan.</p>

<p>“We are ready to help them (Afghan Taliban) if there is an issue of capacity,” he said adding that “if there is an issue of intention then that’s a separate matter.”</p>

<h2><strong>Warning after terror attack in Pakistan</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The warning comes in the wake of a series of terror attacks Pakistan has been facing recently, with the latest one taking place in Bajaur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.</p>

<p>The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack that killed 54 people, including 23 children, and left nearly 200 injured. The attack targeted an election rally on the Pakistan border.</p>

<p>“A suicide attacker from the Islamic State [ISIL] … detonated his explosive jacket in the middle of a crowd" in the town of Khar, the armed group’s news arm Amaq said in a statement, according to Al Jazeera.</p>

<p>Pakistan believes that the terrorist group was operating from Afghanistan and blamed them for the surge in terrorist attacks.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto reacts to rising terror threat from Afghanistan</strong></h2>

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<h2><strong>Increasing terror attacks in Pakistan&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Since last year, when a truce between Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamabad collapsed, terror attacks have increased in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Islamabad has been repeatedly stating that the banned TTP and its affiliates have been operating from Afghanistan with impunity.</p>

<p>The interim Afghan government has denied this and insisted that it would not allow Afghan soil to be used against any country.</p>

<p>Bhutto demanded the Afghan government to curb terrorism, as cooperation against the menace of terrorism was in the interest of both countries.</p>

<p>Afghanistan has no standing army, anti-terrorists force or border management force which caused the capacity issues to face terrorism, he said.</p>

<p>“In the past, we had faced the threats and together will face them,” he added. Pakistan, he said, was ready to assist them as they had the capacity issues to deal with such threats.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned the Taliban that Pakistan would take military action in Afghanistan in order to thwart terrorist activities emanating from the neighbouring country.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned the Taliban that Pakistan would take military action in Afghanistan in order to thwart terrorist activities emanating from the neighbouring country. "We will act under international law to defend ourselves. If the Afghan authorities do not act, then action inside can be one of the options, but not the first option," he said during an event on Tuesday (August 1) in Islamabad. Bhutto, however, hoped that the Afghan government would take suitable action against the terror groups threatening Pakistan. “We are ready to help them (Afghan Taliban) if there is an issue of capacity,” he said adding that “if there is an issue of intention then that’s a separate matter.” Warning after terror attack in Pakistan The warning comes in the wake of a series of terror attacks Pakistan has been facing recently, with the latest one taking place in Bajaur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack that killed 54 people, including 23 children, and left nearly 200 injured. The attack targeted an election rally on the Pakistan border. “A suicide attacker from the Islamic State [ISIL] … detonated his explosive jacket in the middle of a crowd" in the town of Khar, the armed group’s news arm Amaq said in a statement, according to Al Jazeera. Pakistan believes that the terrorist group was operating from Afghanistan and blamed them for the surge in terrorist attacks. Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto reacts to rising terror threat from Afghanistan Increasing terror attacks in Pakistan Since last year, when a truce between Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamabad collapsed, terror attacks have increased in Pakistan. Islamabad has been repeatedly stating that the banned TTP and its affiliates have been operating from Afghanistan with impunity. The interim Afghan government has denied this and insisted that it would not allow Afghan soil to be used against any country. Bhutto demanded the Afghan government to curb terrorism, as cooperation against the menace of terrorism was in the interest of both countries. Afghanistan has no standing army, anti-terrorists force or border management force which caused the capacity issues to face terrorism, he said. “In the past, we had faced the threats and together will face them,” he added. Pakistan, he said, was ready to assist them as they had the capacity issues to deal with such threats. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan threatens to take military action in Afghanistan if Taliban fail to keep terror groups on leash

<p>A somewhat cold Namaste exchanged by two foreign ministers standing several feet apart, done in the beach state of Goa, brought back memories of three generations of one political family, across a troubled border.</p>

<p>Artful photographers use time-slice photography to show the passage of time in a single image. Time-slice photography captures motion, pace and atmosphere in a manner that shows a person, place or thing over minutes, time or even years. We cannot do that easily in news photography but a Tarot card-like reading of the image in Goa might help. Even better would be for us to recall some images and pages from the past to show how the times have changed and yet not.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baps-swaminarayan-temple-vandalised-in-sydney-by-khalistan-supporters-reports-589067">BAPS Swaminarayan temple vandalised in Sydney by Khalistan supporters: Reports</a></p>

<p>Pakistan's 34-year-old foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived in Goa this week for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and depending on how you read it, &nbsp;you can interpret the Namaste returned by the young Bhutto scion to his counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as a sign of diplomatic thaw, uneasy courtesy on a difficult encounter or persisting coldness between India and Pakistan.</p>

<p>Since its inception in 2001, the SCO has mostly talked about regional security and a fight against separatism and terrorism, often associated with religious extremism. But it is precisely these issues that have kept India and Pakistan apart for decades. After all, in the Indian political imagination, Pakistan itself seceded from undivided India in 1947 only to fan terrorism and separatism laced with religious extremism in the disputed Kashmir region.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-regional-bank-western-alliance-quashes-report-of-exploring-potential-sale-589038">US regional bank Western Alliance quashes report of exploring potential sale</a></p>

<p>There have been ups and downs since then, mostly downs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We need to push the cameras of our minds back to 1964 when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru died and Lal Bahadur Shastri took over. Bilawal's grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto visited Delhi then as Pakistan's 36-year-old foreign minister to attend Nehru's funeral. The older Bhutto's American biographer Stanley Wolpert says that then-young Bhutto mistook the diminutive Shastri for a weakling and decided to push his country's military ruler Ayub Khan to invade Kashmir in 1965. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan lost the war badly. Bhutto resigned and rose in protest against the army ruler (much like Imran Khan did as PM recently) after joining the general in negotiating a peace treaty with Shastri, who died tragically and mysteriously in Tashkent where the treaty was signed. Uzbekistan is now part of the SCO, and memories of Tashkent come creeping in.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries</strong></p>

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<p>Bhutto became prime minister after launching his socialist &nbsp;Pakistan People's Party (PPP) &nbsp;only to find India doing to East Pakistan in 1971 what he tried to do with Kashmir in 1965. The liberation of Bangladesh led to the Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan in 1972. There is an enduring image of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Bhutto shaking hands in Shimla that seems like a blurred memory of elusive peace.</p>

<p><img alt="1972 Shimla Agreement.jpg" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8c/1972_Shimla_Agreement.jpg" /></p>

<p>Also in Shimla, we saw Benazir Bhutto, Zulfikar's daughter, still a teenager at 19, &nbsp;standing beside her father, and another one in which she is sitting beside Indira in a saree, a far cry from the Islamic rhetoric that Zulfikar Bhutto used to gain power in Pakistan.</p>

<p><img alt="82-shimla" src="https://img.theweek.in/content/dam/week/magazine/theweek/cover/images/2021/8/12/82-shimla.jpg" /></p>

<p>The young Ms. Bhutto, Bilawal's mother, went on to become prime minister in PPP-led democratic governments as Pakistan shakily put army rule behind. Somewhere along the way, Zulfikar was hanged to death by the man he appointed as army chief, General Zia Ul Haq.</p>

<p>Why all this now? In time-slice terms, these images may show that Pakistan is a pale shadow of its former self as far as diplomatic and economic strengths go.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the young Bhutto, despite losing his grandfather to a military ruler's noose and his mother to a mysterious election rally assassination in 2007, retains the family spunk to show strength in times of severe adversity.</p>

<p>In 2016, he described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "butcher" related to deaths in Gujarat and Kashmir and recently in March, raked up the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council.</p>

<p>A Namaste in Goa cannot ease up relations between India and Pakistan any more than an elegantly worn saree did in Shimla in 1972. Pakistan's existential political weapons for mobilising mass support are Islam and Kashmir, and that does not appear to have changed despite Pakistan sinking deeply into an economic crisis.</p>

<p>We can always debate if demagogic politics is an escape from bad economics or &nbsp;if economic crises are caused by bad politics. Despite being liberals in their personal lives and amiable in their social behaviour, the Bhuttos have their political capital in the rhetoric that feeds Pakistan's masses. &nbsp;Unless that changes, little can be expected from the family that may still have the best interests of the average Pakistani in its hearts.</p>

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A somewhat cold Namaste exchanged by two foreign ministers standing several feet apart, done in the beach state of Goa, brought back memories of three generations of one political family, across a troubled border.

A somewhat cold Namaste exchanged by two foreign ministers standing several feet apart, done in the beach state of Goa, brought back memories of three generations of one political family, across a troubled border. Artful photographers use time-slice photography to show the passage of time in a single image. Time-slice photography captures motion, pace and atmosphere in a manner that shows a person, place or thing over minutes, time or even years. We cannot do that easily in news photography but a Tarot card-like reading of the image in Goa might help. Even better would be for us to recall some images and pages from the past to show how the times have changed and yet not. Also Read | BAPS Swaminarayan temple vandalised in Sydney by Khalistan supporters: Reports Pakistan's 34-year-old foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived in Goa this week for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and depending on how you read it, you can interpret the Namaste returned by the young Bhutto scion to his counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as a sign of diplomatic thaw, uneasy courtesy on a difficult encounter or persisting coldness between India and Pakistan. Since its inception in 2001, the SCO has mostly talked about regional security and a fight against separatism and terrorism, often associated with religious extremism. But it is precisely these issues that have kept India and Pakistan apart for decades. After all, in the Indian political imagination, Pakistan itself seceded from undivided India in 1947 only to fan terrorism and separatism laced with religious extremism in the disputed Kashmir region. Also Read | US regional bank Western Alliance quashes report of exploring potential sale There have been ups and downs since then, mostly downs. We need to push the cameras of our minds back to 1964 when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru died and Lal Bahadur Shastri took over. Bilawal's grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto visited Delhi then as Pakistan's 36-year-old foreign minister to attend Nehru's funeral. The older Bhutto's American biographer Stanley Wolpert says that then-young Bhutto mistook the diminutive Shastri for a weakling and decided to push his country's military ruler Ayub Khan to invade Kashmir in 1965. Pakistan lost the war badly. Bhutto resigned and rose in protest against the army ruler (much like Imran Khan did as PM recently) after joining the general in negotiating a peace treaty with Shastri, who died tragically and mysteriously in Tashkent where the treaty was signed. Uzbekistan is now part of the SCO, and memories of Tashkent come creeping in. Watch | China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries × Bhutto became prime minister after launching his socialist Pakistan People's Party (PPP) only to find India doing to East Pakistan in 1971 what he tried to do with Kashmir in 1965. The liberation of Bangladesh led to the Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan in 1972. There is an enduring image of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Bhutto shaking hands in Shimla that seems like a blurred memory of elusive peace. Also in Shimla, we saw Benazir Bhutto, Zulfikar's daughter, still a teenager at 19, standing beside her father, and another one in which she is sitting beside Indira in a saree, a far cry from the Islamic rhetoric that Zulfikar Bhutto used to gain power in Pakistan. The young Ms. Bhutto, Bilawal's mother, went on to become prime minister in PPP-led democratic governments as Pakistan shakily put army rule behind. Somewhere along the way, Zulfikar was hanged to death by the man he appointed as army chief, General Zia Ul Haq. Why all this now? In time-slice terms, these images may show that Pakistan is a pale shadow of its former self as far as diplomatic and economic strengths go. However, the young Bhutto, despite losing his grandfather to a military ruler's noose and his mother to a mysterious election rally assassination in 2007, retains the family spunk to show strength in times of severe adversity. In 2016, he described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "butcher" related to deaths in Gujarat and Kashmir and recently in March, raked up the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council. A Namaste in Goa cannot ease up relations between India and Pakistan any more than an elegantly worn saree did in Shimla in 1972. Pakistan's existential political weapons for mobilising mass support are Islam and Kashmir, and that does not appear to have changed despite Pakistan sinking deeply into an economic crisis. We can always debate if demagogic politics is an escape from bad economics or if economic crises are caused by bad politics. Despite being liberals in their personal lives and amiable in their social behaviour, the Bhuttos have their political capital in the rhetoric that feeds Pakistan's masses. Unless that changes, little can be expected from the family that may still have the best interests of the average Pakistani in its hearts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Delhi, Shimla, Goa: Tale of 3 Bhuttos in India shows Pak's decline but not family's political spunk

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<p>Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticised Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari after the latter visited India for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) council meet. Zardari was schooled by India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Khan did not let go of the opportunity to remind him about the 'humiliation'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran was addressing a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) rally when he attacked Zardari. Notably, starting next week, Khan and his party would hold rallies every day till May 14 in&nbsp;the run-up to&nbsp;the Punjab assembly elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Pakistan is being humiliated in the world. How the Indian foreign minister’s behaviour was when Bilawal went to India is a basis for shame for all of us," said Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We ask the question, Bilawal you are touring the entire world but first tell that before going do you ask anyone that you’re spending the country’s money on a trip so what will be the benefit or loss from it?” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PTI chief questioned what was the benefit of Zardari's trip to India, especially after the kind of language used by the Indian EAM.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;SCO meet | S Jaishankar on Pakistan: Victims of terrorism do not sit with perpetrators of terrorism</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Jaishankar's stern remarks on Pakistan</strong></h2>

<p>During the meeting, Jaishankar drew the line that no talks with Pakistan will take place until it continues to be a safe space for terrorists and terror organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We firmly believe that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism," he said without naming Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Zardari said, "Let's not get caught up in weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point scoring", Jaishankar countered him by saying "No one was scoring diplomatic points".</p>

<p>"The weaponisation. It's a very interesting statement because it unconsciously reveals a mindset. What does weaponising something mean? It means that the activity is legitimate and somebody is weaponising it. So you say you are weaponising trade, you are weaponising technology. Somebody says you are weaponising terrorism, which means they think terrorism is legitimate, and that we should not weaponise it. That is normal."</p>

<p>"He [Zardari] came here as the Foreign Minister of an SCO Member State. That is part of multilateral diplomacy. Don't see it as anything more than that. I think that nothing from what he said or what I heard he said deserves for this to be treated more than that," added Jaishankar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shown-mirror-by-jaishankar-bilawal-says-india-propagating-false-narrative-on-terrorism-589512" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Shown mirror by Jaishankar, Bilawal says India ‘propagating false narrative’ on terrorism</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, after reaching Pakistan, Zardari termed his visit&nbsp;'successful' whilst adding that India was propagating 'a false narrative' on terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticised Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari after the latter visited India for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) council meet.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticised Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari after the latter visited India for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) council meet. Zardari was schooled by India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Khan did not let go of the opportunity to remind him about the 'humiliation'. Imran was addressing a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) rally when he attacked Zardari. Notably, starting next week, Khan and his party would hold rallies every day till May 14 in the run-up to the Punjab assembly elections. “Pakistan is being humiliated in the world. How the Indian foreign minister’s behaviour was when Bilawal went to India is a basis for shame for all of us," said Khan. "We ask the question, Bilawal you are touring the entire world but first tell that before going do you ask anyone that you’re spending the country’s money on a trip so what will be the benefit or loss from it?” he added. The PTI chief questioned what was the benefit of Zardari's trip to India, especially after the kind of language used by the Indian EAM. ALSO WATCH | SCO meet | S Jaishankar on Pakistan: Victims of terrorism do not sit with perpetrators of terrorism × Jaishankar's stern remarks on Pakistan During the meeting, Jaishankar drew the line that no talks with Pakistan will take place until it continues to be a safe space for terrorists and terror organisations. “We firmly believe that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism," he said without naming Pakistan. After Zardari said, "Let's not get caught up in weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point scoring", Jaishankar countered him by saying "No one was scoring diplomatic points". "The weaponisation. It's a very interesting statement because it unconsciously reveals a mindset. What does weaponising something mean? It means that the activity is legitimate and somebody is weaponising it. So you say you are weaponising trade, you are weaponising technology. Somebody says you are weaponising terrorism, which means they think terrorism is legitimate, and that we should not weaponise it. That is normal." "He [Zardari] came here as the Foreign Minister of an SCO Member State. That is part of multilateral diplomacy. Don't see it as anything more than that. I think that nothing from what he said or what I heard he said deserves for this to be treated more than that," added Jaishankar. ALSO READ | Shown mirror by Jaishankar, Bilawal says India ‘propagating false narrative’ on terrorism Notably, after reaching Pakistan, Zardari termed his visit 'successful' whilst adding that India was propagating 'a false narrative' on terrorism. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Imran Khan blasts Bilawal for his India trip, calls it humiliation for Pakistan

<p>The Uttar Pradesh police have detained five people in connection with an attack on suspended&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-polls-in-major-setback-to-mayawati-bsp-mla-votes-for-bjp-36829" target="_blank">BSP MLA Anil Singh'</a>s brother Dilip Singh.</p>

<p>Dilip Singh and his family members were allegedly thrashed by unknown miscreants at gunpoint in Uttar Pradesh's&nbspUnnao on Sunday.The miscreants involved had fled the spot after the attack.</p>

<p>The police have detained five people for questioning.&nbsp</p>

<p>In the recent Rajya Sabha&nbsppolls in Uttar Pradesh, Anil Singh went against his party to vote for the BJP.</p>

<p>Following which&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-suspends-anil-singh-over-rajya-sabha-cross-voting-36939" target="_blank">Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati suspended him&nbsp</a>after allegations of cross-voting.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BSP MLA Anil Singh's brother Dilip Singh & his family allegedly thrashed by car-borne miscreants at gunpoint in Unnao. Accused fled the spot</p>
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The Uttar Pradesh police have detained five people in connection with an attack on suspended BSP MLA Anil Singh's brother Dilip Singh. Dilip Singh and his family members were allegedly thrashed by unknown miscreants at gunpoint in Uttar Pradesh's&nbspUnnao on Sunday.

The Uttar Pradesh police have detained five people in connection with an attack on suspended BSP MLA Anil Singh's brother Dilip Singh. Dilip Singh and his family members were allegedly thrashed by unknown miscreants at gunpoint in Uttar Pradesh's&nbspUnnao on Sunday.The miscreants involved had fled the spot after the attack. The police have detained five people for questioning. In the recent Rajya Sabha&nbsppolls in Uttar Pradesh, Anil Singh went against his party to vote for the BJP. Following which Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati suspended him after allegations of cross-voting. BSP MLA Anil Singh's brother Dilip Singh & his family allegedly thrashed by car-borne miscreants at gunpoint in Unnao. Accused fled the spot — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 25, 2018 ×

Shown mirror by Jaishankar, Bilawal says India ‘propagating false narrative’ on terrorism

<p>Raking up India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is New Delhi's call to restart peace talks.&nbsp;<br />
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Addressing a press conference in Islamabad after his return from Goa where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan was clear that India should create a conducive environment for talks by restoring the pre-August 5, 2019 status of Kashmir.</p>

<p>The Pakistani minister said revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir still remains an unresolved issue&nbsp;between the two nations.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-grant-immunity-to-at-least-8-fake-electors-in-georgia-trump-probe-589425">Prosecutors grant immunity to at least eight 'fake electors' in Georgia Trump probe</a></p>

<p>Pakistan claims tensions have been simmering since New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5, 2019 and had downgraded diplomatic ties in a reaction to India's decision. On the other hand, India told the international community that the decision to repeal Article 370 is an internal matter of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neo-nazi-symbols-fight-in-schoolyard-what-we-know-about-serbias-second-mass-shooting-589423">Neo-Nazi symbols, fight in schoolyard: What we know about Serbia’s second mass shooting</a></p>

<p>It also urged Pakistan to cease spreading false information against India and to accept the truth. India has expressed its wish for&nbsp;neighbourly ties with Islamabad but only in an atmosphere that is devoid of terrorism.</p>

<p>India held a foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on 5 May in Goa which saw the participation of the Pakistani minister as well.</p>

<p>The meeting laid out the groundwork for the upcoming SCO Summit in July in New Delhi. During a press briefing after the SCO summit, India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar made comments over Bhutto Zardari's mention of India's constitutional changes to reverse the semi-autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir with abrogation of Article 370.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Srinagar gears up to host G20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2</strong></p>

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<p>Jaishankar said, "I would like to use the phrase “Wake up and smell the coffee”, similarly 370 is history sooner people realise it's better."</p>

<p>Jaishankar, during the meeting, called out Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism, "The victims of terrorism do not sit down with perpetrators of terrorism to talk about terrorism."</p>

<p>"On terrorism, Pakistan's credibility is depleting faster than their forex reserves," Jaishankar said. "There is only one issue to discuss on Kashmir which is when will Pakistan give back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," he added.<br />
<br />
Bilawal Zardari returned from India on a special Pakistan Air Force plane and landed in Karachi where he was received by Sindh chief minister, Murad Ali Shah, and other cabinet members.</p>

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Raking up India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is New Delhi's call to restart peace talks.

Raking up India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is New Delhi's call to restart peace talks. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad after his return from Goa where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan was clear that India should create a conducive environment for talks by restoring the pre-August 5, 2019 status of Kashmir. The Pakistani minister said revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir still remains an unresolved issue between the two nations. Also Read | Prosecutors grant immunity to at least eight 'fake electors' in Georgia Trump probe Pakistan claims tensions have been simmering since New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5, 2019 and had downgraded diplomatic ties in a reaction to India's decision. On the other hand, India told the international community that the decision to repeal Article 370 is an internal matter of the country. Also Read | Neo-Nazi symbols, fight in schoolyard: What we know about Serbia’s second mass shooting It also urged Pakistan to cease spreading false information against India and to accept the truth. India has expressed its wish for neighbourly ties with Islamabad but only in an atmosphere that is devoid of terrorism. India held a foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on 5 May in Goa which saw the participation of the Pakistani minister as well. The meeting laid out the groundwork for the upcoming SCO Summit in July in New Delhi. During a press briefing after the SCO summit, India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar made comments over Bhutto Zardari's mention of India's constitutional changes to reverse the semi-autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir with abrogation of Article 370. Watch | Srinagar gears up to host G20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2 × Jaishankar said, "I would like to use the phrase “Wake up and smell the coffee”, similarly 370 is history sooner people realise it's better." Jaishankar, during the meeting, called out Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism, "The victims of terrorism do not sit down with perpetrators of terrorism to talk about terrorism." "On terrorism, Pakistan's credibility is depleting faster than their forex reserves," Jaishankar said. "There is only one issue to discuss on Kashmir which is when will Pakistan give back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," he added. Bilawal Zardari returned from India on a special Pakistan Air Force plane and landed in Karachi where he was received by Sindh chief minister, Murad Ali Shah, and other cabinet members. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Onus to restart peace talks on India, says Pakistan FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived in Goa on Thursday to participate in the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), marking the first top-level visit from Pakistan to India since 2011.

SCO Foreign Ministers Meet: Pak FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to attend summit, no meeting with India

Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday arrived in Goa, India to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet. The Pak FM's visit to India is the first high-level visit from Islamabad since 2011.

SCO Foreign Ministers Meet: Pak FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrives in Goa to attend SCO meet

<p>Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday shared a video message ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) bilateral meetings scheduled for the day in Goa. In the brief clip shared on his Twitter account, the Pakistan minister spoke about his plans in India and Pakistan's stance on the gathering of this key multilateral forum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main agenda for the SCO forum, since its formation, has been to combat terrorism and promote peace in the region. India on many forums has rebuked Pakistan for its state-sponsored terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In&nbsp;the video, Bilawal was seen saying that Pakistan is committed to the SCO forum and the country takes it in all its seriousness.&nbsp;The Pakistan minister added that he is looking forward to holding talks with the members of the SCO grouping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On my way to Goa, India. Will be leading the Pakistan delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization CFM. My decision to attend this meeting illustrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to the charter of SCO. During my visit, which is focused exclusively on the SCO, I look forward to constructive discussions with my counterparts from friendly countries," Zardari tweeted ahead of his arrival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-leader-says-ukraine-counter-offensive-has-begun-death-toll-from-kherson-shelling-rises-to-21-588678">Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21</a></p>

<p>India is the chair of SCO for 2023 and in alignment with its commitment to work together with all the nations in the region, New Delhi had extended its invitation to Pakistan FM Bilawal Bhutto.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On my way to Goa, India. Will be leading the Pakistan delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization CFM. My decision to attend this meeting illustrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to the charter of SCO.<br />
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During my visit, which is focused exclusively on the SCO, I look… <a href="https://t.co/cChUWj9okR">pic.twitter.com/cChUWj9okR</a></p>
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1653998914712883200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bilawal Bhutto would be the first Pakistani foreign minister to visit India since 2011. As per reports, Islamabad said that he will not hold any meeting with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-killed-25-injured-after-road-accident-in-egypt-588676">At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports</a></p>

<p>The Pulwama attack severed India's already strained ties with Pakistan. India, in retaliation, gave a befitting response to Pakistan by attacking the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Another blow to the relations was when India revoked Jammu and Kashmir's Article 370. Pakistan reacted by suspending trade relations with India.&nbsp;</p>

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Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday shared a video message ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) bilateral meetings scheduled for the day in Goa.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday shared a video message ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) bilateral meetings scheduled for the day in Goa. In the brief clip shared on his Twitter account, the Pakistan minister spoke about his plans in India and Pakistan's stance on the gathering of this key multilateral forum. The main agenda for the SCO forum, since its formation, has been to combat terrorism and promote peace in the region. India on many forums has rebuked Pakistan for its state-sponsored terrorism. In the video, Bilawal was seen saying that Pakistan is committed to the SCO forum and the country takes it in all its seriousness. The Pakistan minister added that he is looking forward to holding talks with the members of the SCO grouping. "On my way to Goa, India. Will be leading the Pakistan delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization CFM. My decision to attend this meeting illustrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to the charter of SCO. During my visit, which is focused exclusively on the SCO, I look forward to constructive discussions with my counterparts from friendly countries," Zardari tweeted ahead of his arrival. Also Read | Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21 India is the chair of SCO for 2023 and in alignment with its commitment to work together with all the nations in the region, New Delhi had extended its invitation to Pakistan FM Bilawal Bhutto. On my way to Goa, India. Will be leading the Pakistan delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization CFM. My decision to attend this meeting illustrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to the charter of SCO. During my visit, which is focused exclusively on the SCO, I look… pic.twitter.com/cChUWj9okR — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 4, 2023 × Bilawal Bhutto would be the first Pakistani foreign minister to visit India since 2011. As per reports, Islamabad said that he will not hold any meeting with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. Also Read | At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports The Pulwama attack severed India's already strained ties with Pakistan. India, in retaliation, gave a befitting response to Pakistan by attacking the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019. Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION × Another blow to the relations was when India revoked Jammu and Kashmir's Article 370. Pakistan reacted by suspending trade relations with India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan is committed to the SCO forum, says Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be visting India to attend the SCO foreign ministers' meeting in May. Molly Gambhir tells you more about the implications.

Gravitas: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to visit India for SCO meet

<p>Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed fears of emergency or "martial law" in the country if&nbsp;a larger bench was not constituted to hear cases against former prime minister Imran Khan.fim In case it happens, it will plunge the country further deep into ongoing crises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chair­man visited the residence of Head Constable Ghulam Abbas Leghari, who was martyred during the terrorist attack on the Ka­rachi Police Office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan-based The News media outlet reported that Bhutto's remarks came when he spoke to the media in Larkana as he also said that his party will not accept whatever decision of the three judges on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weighing in on the rise in terrorism activities in the country, Bilawal said that Pakistan Army, rangers, police and LEAs had eliminated the terrorism and maintained peace in Pakistan by providing sacrifices, but "stupid" Imran Khan promoted the terrorists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bilawal accused former prime minister of patronising terrorists by inviting them from Afghanistan. The foreign minister also alleged that the policies of the PTI chief also led restrengthening of the terrorists' network.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Butto said that the country could face an "emergency-like situation" &nbsp;or "martial law" due to the constitutional cri­sis that might occur if the Su­preme Court does not consti­tute a larger bench to hear the PTI's petition against the Elec­tion Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to postpone polls to the Punjab Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by Pakistan-based media outlets, he said, "My concern is that if a larg­er bench is not constituted then such a constitutional cri­sis will be born that God for­bid martial law or emergen­cy-type situation [could be] imposed again on Pakistan."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though, he did acknowl­edge that he was making "a big statement" but went on to say that there was still time for every­one to "come back to their senses".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed fears of emergency or "martial law" in the country if a larger bench was not constituted to hear cases against former prime minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed fears of emergency or "martial law" in the country if a larger bench was not constituted to hear cases against former prime minister Imran Khan.fim In case it happens, it will plunge the country further deep into ongoing crises. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman visited the residence of Head Constable Ghulam Abbas Leghari, who was martyred during the terrorist attack on the Karachi Police Office. Pakistan-based The News media outlet reported that Bhutto's remarks came when he spoke to the media in Larkana as he also said that his party will not accept whatever decision of the three judges on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab elections. Weighing in on the rise in terrorism activities in the country, Bilawal said that Pakistan Army, rangers, police and LEAs had eliminated the terrorism and maintained peace in Pakistan by providing sacrifices, but "stupid" Imran Khan promoted the terrorists. Bilawal accused former prime minister of patronising terrorists by inviting them from Afghanistan. The foreign minister also alleged that the policies of the PTI chief also led restrengthening of the terrorists' network. Butto said that the country could face an "emergency-like situation" or "martial law" due to the constitutional crisis that might occur if the Supreme Court does not constitute a larger bench to hear the PTI's petition against the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to postpone polls to the Punjab Assembly. As quoted by Pakistan-based media outlets, he said, "My concern is that if a larger bench is not constituted then such a constitutional crisis will be born that God forbid martial law or emergency-type situation [could be] imposed again on Pakistan." Though, he did acknowledge that he was making "a big statement" but went on to say that there was still time for everyone to "come back to their senses". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

What's next for Pakistan? Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto fears 'martial law'

<p>Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari invited a senior Indian diplomat to the Iftar dinner (the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan)—a move that is being watched very keenly.</p>

<p>Notably, this is the first time that Pakistan’s Foreign Office has invited an Indian envoy to Iftar party since August 2019—when India revoked the special status of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state.</p>

<p>According to the Express Tribune newspaper, Bilawal extended the invitation to the Indian chargé d’affaires along with the diplomats based in the capital Islamabad.</p>

<p>It is said that India accepted the invitation and its senior diplomat attended the dinner at the Foreign Office since the chargé d’affaires was not in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Indian sources confirmed to&nbsp;WION that the Indian diplomat paid a courtesy visit to the event.</p>

<p>Indian and Pakistan officials have usually avoided inviting each other to such functions due to their acrimonious relationship—a trend that has only spiralled downwards after Delhi revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>However, the presence of an Indian diplomat suggested a break from that policy. It comes at a time when India invited Pakistan’s foreign minister for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet that will be held in southern Goa city in May. However, Pakistan has not sent its confirmation yet.</p>

<p>For three years, Indian envoy wasn’t invited to the Iftar parties by the Pakistan government.</p>

<p>In 2020, Pakistan didn’t send invitation&nbsp;due to the Covid pandemic. In the following year, Pakistan’s then-foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi didn’t invite the Indian diplomat. And in 2022, the political chaos which led to the ouster of Imran Khan saw no Iftar parties being held.</p>

<p><strong>2019 iftar party controversy</strong></p>

<p>In 2019, a major controversy erupted after guests at the Iftar party at Indian High Commission in Islamabad were harassed by Pakistan security agencies.</p>

<p>According to reports, the Pakistani officials surrounded Hotel Serena, the venue of the Iftar party, and forced hundreds of guests to turn back.</p>

<p>India registered strong protests back then for the “gross intimidation”.</p>

<p>Following this, the guests of the Pakistani high commission at Iftar&nbsp;in New Delhi received somewhat similar treatment in a repeat of what happened during the Pakistan National Day celebrations in March.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari invited a senior Indian diplomat to the Iftar dinner (the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan)—a move that is being watched very keenly.

Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari invited a senior Indian diplomat to the Iftar dinner (the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan)—a move that is being watched very keenly. Notably, this is the first time that Pakistan’s Foreign Office has invited an Indian envoy to Iftar party since August 2019—when India revoked the special status of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state. According to the Express Tribune newspaper, Bilawal extended the invitation to the Indian chargé d’affaires along with the diplomats based in the capital Islamabad. It is said that India accepted the invitation and its senior diplomat attended the dinner at the Foreign Office since the chargé d’affaires was not in Pakistan. Indian sources confirmed to WION that the Indian diplomat paid a courtesy visit to the event. Indian and Pakistan officials have usually avoided inviting each other to such functions due to their acrimonious relationship—a trend that has only spiralled downwards after Delhi revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the presence of an Indian diplomat suggested a break from that policy. It comes at a time when India invited Pakistan’s foreign minister for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet that will be held in southern Goa city in May. However, Pakistan has not sent its confirmation yet. For three years, Indian envoy wasn’t invited to the Iftar parties by the Pakistan government. In 2020, Pakistan didn’t send invitation due to the Covid pandemic. In the following year, Pakistan’s then-foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi didn’t invite the Indian diplomat. And in 2022, the political chaos which led to the ouster of Imran Khan saw no Iftar parties being held. 2019 iftar party controversy In 2019, a major controversy erupted after guests at the Iftar party at Indian High Commission in Islamabad were harassed by Pakistan security agencies. According to reports, the Pakistani officials surrounded Hotel Serena, the venue of the Iftar party, and forced hundreds of guests to turn back. India registered strong protests back then for the “gross intimidation”. Following this, the guests of the Pakistani high commission at Iftar in New Delhi received somewhat similar treatment in a repeat of what happened during the Pakistan National Day celebrations in March. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

For first time in three years, Pak’s foreign minister invites Indian diplomat for Iftar party

<p>Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari weighed in on the prospects of attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in India this year. India took over the presidency in 2022 for a year and sent invitations to all members, including Pakistan and China for the summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to WION on the sidelines of the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-munich-security-conference-china-blasts-us-over-spy-balloon-saga-563413">Munich Security Conference (MSC)</a></strong>, Bhutto said that Pakistan has "received the invitation". He added that the SCO is very important and the "rules are very clear we don't take up bilateral issues and disputes at this forum".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about Pakistan's attendance, which is not clear yet because of the strained India-Pakistan ties, he said, "Our discussions to attend, at what level to attend, are still undergoing."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONConversation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONConversation</a> | Speaking to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a> at the sidelines of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MunichSecurityConference?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MunichSecurityConference</a> Pakistan Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBhuttoZardari</a> talked of the conference, the war in Ukraine and his nation's participation in the upcoming SCO meet in India. <a href="https://t.co/etbgB8JLG5">pic.twitter.com/etbgB8JLG5</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1626983811216183299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>World leaders, top diplomats and prominent dignitaries have gathered at the Munich Security Conference, which is a major annual global gathering focused on defence and diplomacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war dominated the security conference, which is aimed at debating issues of global concern.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>’s Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBhuttoZardari</a> has arrived in Munich to participate in the Munich Security Conference. Upon arrival, he was received by Senior officials from German Foreign Ministry, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany <a href="https://twitter.com/DrMFaisal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrMFaisal</a> and others. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSC2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSC2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/NJHbGxwv6Q">pic.twitter.com/NJHbGxwv6Q</a></p>
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick/status/1626305973601140739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>’s Foreign Minister ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBhuttoZardari</a>⁩ arrives at the Munich Security Conference. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSC2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSC2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/FyInBHu5v2">pic.twitter.com/FyInBHu5v2</a></p>
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick/status/1626522140458508289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about the Munich conference, Bhutto said, "It is very important for the entire world, and we are engaging with everyone and having bilateral meetings, tomorrow we have some more meetings and seminars on Afghanistan."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our meetings with Ukraine FM would be a continuation of the policy of neutrality and message to everyone is the same that Pakistan believes and an extended conflict is not in the interest of the developing world," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further added, "We would like dialogue and diplomacy in pursuit of peace, that is a message to Russians and Ukraine and to the world."&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Bhutto on Ukraine situation</h2>

<p>WION asked&nbsp;Bhutto to comment on his last year's remarks, when he called the Ukraine situation a "war", he said that "this is the nitpicking". He said, "You can call it a conflict, you can call it a war, but people are dying on both sides."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We in Pakistan witnessed faced the longest war which NATO was also a part of in Afghanistan. Ultimately the solution was dialogue and diplomacy. If they had negotiated a settlement earlier, then it would have been better to take the Taliban's offer in 2002 when they were ready to surrender. But that did not happen and we have the consequences," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari weighed in on the prospects of attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in India this year. India took over the presidency in 2022 for a year and sent invitations to all members, including Pakistan and China for the summit.

Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari weighed in on the prospects of attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in India this year. India took over the presidency in 2022 for a year and sent invitations to all members, including Pakistan and China for the summit. While speaking to WION on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Bhutto said that Pakistan has "received the invitation". He added that the SCO is very important and the "rules are very clear we don't take up bilateral issues and disputes at this forum". Speaking about Pakistan's attendance, which is not clear yet because of the strained India-Pakistan ties, he said, "Our discussions to attend, at what level to attend, are still undergoing." #WIONConversation | Speaking to WION's @AnasMallick at the sidelines of the #MunichSecurityConference Pakistan Foreign Minister @BBhuttoZardari talked of the conference, the war in Ukraine and his nation's participation in the upcoming SCO meet in India. pic.twitter.com/etbgB8JLG5 — WION (@WIONews) February 18, 2023 × World leaders, top diplomats and prominent dignitaries have gathered at the Munich Security Conference, which is a major annual global gathering focused on defence and diplomacy. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war dominated the security conference, which is aimed at debating issues of global concern. #Pakistan’s Foreign Minister @BBhuttoZardari has arrived in Munich to participate in the Munich Security Conference. Upon arrival, he was received by Senior officials from German Foreign Ministry, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany @DrMFaisal and others. #MSC2023 pic.twitter.com/NJHbGxwv6Q — Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) February 16, 2023 × #Pakistan’s Foreign Minister ⁦@BBhuttoZardari⁩ arrives at the Munich Security Conference. #MSC2023 pic.twitter.com/FyInBHu5v2 — Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) February 17, 2023 × On being asked about the Munich conference, Bhutto said, "It is very important for the entire world, and we are engaging with everyone and having bilateral meetings, tomorrow we have some more meetings and seminars on Afghanistan." "Our meetings with Ukraine FM would be a continuation of the policy of neutrality and message to everyone is the same that Pakistan believes and an extended conflict is not in the interest of the developing world," he said. Further added, "We would like dialogue and diplomacy in pursuit of peace, that is a message to Russians and Ukraine and to the world." Bhutto on Ukraine situation WION asked Bhutto to comment on his last year's remarks, when he called the Ukraine situation a "war", he said that "this is the nitpicking". He said, "You can call it a conflict, you can call it a war, but people are dying on both sides." "We in Pakistan witnessed faced the longest war which NATO was also a part of in Afghanistan. Ultimately the solution was dialogue and diplomacy. If they had negotiated a settlement earlier, then it would have been better to take the Taliban's offer in 2002 when they were ready to surrender. But that did not happen and we have the consequences," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH: Bilawal Bhutto tells WION whether or not Pakistan will attend SCO summit in India

<p>Pakistan stated that it has not yet made a decision on India's invitation to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Goa starting in May this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-sharif-says-government-will-agree-to-stringent-conditions-by-imf-for-revival-of-loan-program-555942">Pakistan</a> and India are members of SCO. India is holding the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2022-2023. These invitations are being processed as per standard procedures and a decision will be taken in due course," said Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson.</p>

<p>The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference is scheduled to take place in Goa on May 4-5, 2023. India has sent an invitation to Pakistan's foreign minister to participate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-rupee-falls-to-all-time-low-against-us-dollar-556311">Pakistani rupee slumps 9.6% to historic low against US dollar as govt lifts exchange cap</a></p>

<p>All SCO members, including Pakistan and China, have received official invitations from India to the forthcoming conference of foreign ministers, which will take place in Goa from May 4–5.</p>

<p>India assumed leadership of the nine-nation mega-grouping in September of last year and will host important ministerial gatherings and the summit this year.</p>

<p>Regarding concerns of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, relations between the two countries have been tense for a long time, notwithstanding Islamabad's demands for the reinstatement of Article 370 for the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Pakistan stated that it has not yet made a decision on India's invitation to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Goa starting in May this year.

Pakistan stated that it has not yet made a decision on India's invitation to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Goa starting in May this year. "Pakistan and India are members of SCO. India is holding the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2022-2023. These invitations are being processed as per standard procedures and a decision will be taken in due course," said Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference is scheduled to take place in Goa on May 4-5, 2023. India has sent an invitation to Pakistan's foreign minister to participate. Also read | Pakistani rupee slumps 9.6% to historic low against US dollar as govt lifts exchange cap All SCO members, including Pakistan and China, have received official invitations from India to the forthcoming conference of foreign ministers, which will take place in Goa from May 4–5. India assumed leadership of the nine-nation mega-grouping in September of last year and will host important ministerial gatherings and the summit this year. Regarding concerns of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, relations between the two countries have been tense for a long time, notwithstanding Islamabad's demands for the reinstatement of Article 370 for the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pak yet to decide on invitation for SCO meeting by India: Report