ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused India of deliberately derailing international peace efforts aimed at resolving the longstanding Kashmir dispute. His remarks came during a media interaction on Wednesday, where he said New Delhi had consistently rejected dialogue, even when global leaders extended offers to mediate.
Referring to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to help mediate the Kashmir conflict in 2019, Bilawal said Pakistan welcomed the initiative with an open mind. However, India, he noted, “shut the door on peace” by rejecting the offer outright.
“When Trump voiced interest in facilitating talks, we took that opportunity seriously. But India dismissed it within hours — not just as a rejection of mediation, but of diplomacy itself,” Bilawal said.
He called India’s stance “rigid and short-sighted,” claiming that New Delhi’s refusal to engage in dialogue has contributed to continued instability in the region.
Dimming Hopes for Dialogue
Trump’s mediation remark had sparked international headlines, especially after his White House meeting with then-Prime Minister Imran Khan. While Islamabad expressed hope, India flatly denied any room for third-party involvement — a position it has held for decades.
According to Bilawal, India’s consistent resistance to dialogue reflects a broader unwillingness to find common ground. “Every time there’s a chance to turn a corner, they retreat,” he added.
Kashmir and the Human Cost
The foreign minister also drew attention to the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir. He criticized the silence of major powers and international institutions, calling it “disheartening” given the documented cases of curfews, communication blackouts, and arrests.
“The people of Kashmir have paid the price for political deadlock. Unfortunately, the world watches in silence,” he said.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution but stressed that progress requires both sides to engage — something he believes India has actively resisted.
“We can’t talk alone,” Bilawal concluded. “Peace requires partnership, and we’re still waiting for India to step up.”
