ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari reiterated his criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that Modi, who was known as the “butcher of Gujarat” is now transforming into the “butcher of Kashmir.”
Bilawal said that Pakistan’s position regarding its relations with India was consistently clear. Unless India reversed its unlawful and unilateral actions from 2019 in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, there would be no room for meaningful engagement. He noted that India had violated not only international laws and United Nations Security Council’s resolutions. India also violated bilateral agreements between the two countries.
“The foreign minister added that there is no room left for Pakistan to engage with India in a meaningful way.”
Bilawal has previously asserted during the tenure of the previous government that positive expectations should not be held for Modi, who has been associated with the “Butcher of Gujarat” label, in contrast to leaders like Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.
Bilawal highlights the Kashmir issue had consistently been a fundamental aspect of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He said that Pakistan’s endeavors to address Islamophobia and the desecration of the Holy Quran led to the adoption of a resolution by the UN Human Rights Council.
Bilawal participation in the SCO summit
Regarding his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Goa, despite reservations and threats against him, Bilawal explained that he utilized the opportunity to present Pakistan’s stance and protect its interests. He noted that due to his active participation, India had to resort to a virtual SCO heads of states summit.
However, addressing the matter of sending Pakistan’s national cricket team to the ICC Cricket World Cup in India, Bilawal mentioned that Pakistan consistently advocated for distinguishing between politics and sports. He emphasized Pakistan’s security concerns for the team and their unwillingness to compromise on security. This stance was communicated to the ICC and India.
Bilawal said that Pakistan was not inclined towards bloc politics and aimed to prioritize the welfare of its population of 224 million. They have to focus to avoid being entangled in others’ interests to maintain focus on their own priorities.
