ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched an extensive diplomatic campaign in the United States to present its stance on the recent escalation of tensions with India and to counter India’s growing lobbying efforts in Washington.
A high-level Pakistani delegation, including former foreign ministers, foreign secretaries, ambassadors, and a current federal minister, arrived in New York to engage with key international figures and decision-makers at the United Nations.
Diplomatic Engagements Target Key Global Players
The delegation comprises notable leaders such as Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Hina Rabbani Khar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Jalil Abbas Jilani, and others.
They plan to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the president of the UN General Assembly, ambassadors from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and representatives of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Beginning June 3, they will also hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, senior officials, members of Congress, think tanks, and major media outlets. The main goal is to convey Pakistan’s concerns about regional security and challenge India’s “escalatory moves” diplomatically.
Countering Indian Lobbying and Safeguarding Pakistan’s Image
This diplomatic push is part of a broader dual-track strategy combining official government diplomacy with informal engagements. Islamabad is increasingly worried about India’s efforts to link the border tensions with renewed scrutiny of Pakistan’s international standing, particularly attempts to revisit Pakistan’s status with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Pakistani officials emphasize that the country has implemented comprehensive reforms and exited the FATF grey list in 2022.
The delegation aims to present a narrative focused on transparency, restraint, and reform, countering what they describe as misleading Indian claims. Senator Sherry Rehman highlighted Pakistan’s determination to respond to Indian allegations with clear facts and prevent misinformation from shaping international opinion.
