Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said Pakistan’s role in helping secure a ceasefire in the Iran crisis had placed it at the centre of a wider diplomatic opening, arguing that Islamabad should now push for a broader peace process rather than treat the truce as an end in itself. His remarks came as delegations were due in Islamabad for talks aimed at easing tensions with the United States and Israel, underscoring Pakistan’s rising profile in the fast-moving diplomacy around the conflict.
In an interview with AsiaOne’s Kerry Alexandra, Bilawal noted, “I believe that at this moment, Pakistan is consistently demonstrating that it serves as a bridge. Historically, Pakistan has played this role particularly in facilitating engagement between major powers like the United States and China and that legacy continues today.”
In the current context of conflict, he said he was “especially proud of Pakistan’s leadership, the President, the Prime Minister, and the Army Chief, for their efforts in helping to broker a ceasefire,” while cautioning that a ceasefire was only the first step in what would have to become a much longer and more structured peace process.
“There is also a growing realisation that no war is truly distant anymore,” the former foreign minister added.
“Even conflicts that seem geographically far away have global consequences. While those directly under bombardment suffer the most immediate and devastating impact, the ripple effects are felt worldwide.”
Bilawal argued that families from the United States to Europe and South Asia were already feeling the strain of conflict in an interconnected world where energy, trade and financial shocks travel quickly.
“This is why it is important to demonstrate that war should never be the preferred option,” he emphasised.
“We hope that Pakistan’s role in brokering this ceasefire between the warring parties will contribute to a broader and more sustainable peace.”
He also said the diplomatic process should not be seen as Pakistan’s project alone, stressing that the international community had a stake in whether the ceasefire survived and widened into something more durable.
“There is hope that this will lead not only to a lasting ceasefire, but also to further steps such as peace agreements, stabilization of borders, and even sanctions relief,” Bilawal continued.
“Sanctions, particularly on countries like Iran, have significant humanitarian and economic consequences. Regional countries including Pakistan, Iran, India, and China are interconnected, and stability benefits all but we not need trade with India. While each country has its own challenges, cooperation and trade remain essential for shared progress.”
The former foreign minister also took aim at Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, saying remarks made during the peace process reflected frustration and short-sightedness over Pakistan’s growing diplomatic visibility.
“I believe the Indian Foreign Minister made an emotional and offensive statement during the peace process for brokering a ceasefire. There is not only frustration, their narrow minded showing undermine the process that could otherwise be beneficial for the people of India. It’s not for only people of Pakistan, one would hope that conflicts like these serve as a lesson that prolonged tensions and wars only bring suffering to the people.”
Bilawal remarked that South Asia should draw a larger lesson from the crisis. Pakistan and India, he said, had both paid an economic price for recurring conflict, even during short military escalations, and should not allow disputes to remain permanently unresolved. He added governments in the region should support ceasefire efforts abroad while also working to reduce tensions closer to home through sustained diplomacy, responsible political messaging and continuous engagement at the leadership level. “Peace is not just desirable,” he noted in substance, “it is necessary.”
“Ultimately, diplomacy, responsible political messaging, and consistent engagement, particularly at the level of foreign ministers and leadership, are crucial to achieving long-term peace.”