PPP Backs Inclusion of PTI in Diplomatic Delegation Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

ISLAMABAD, June 1, 2025 – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Secretary General Humayun Khan has endorsed the inclusion of all political stakeholders, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in a high-level diplomatic delegation set to represent Pakistan abroad following heightened hostilities with India.

Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced plans to dispatch a delegation to key global capitals to counter what he called “Indian propaganda” in the wake of recent military clashes. The decision came after a dangerous escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, including cross-border airstrikes and drone interceptions.

Speaking on DawnNewsTV’s Doosra Rukh programme, Khan emphasized national unity, stating, “All stakeholders are welcome to get this country out of this crisis. We need to be on one page and fight the country’s case.”

He praised PM Shehbaz’s choice to appoint PPP Chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to lead the delegation, saying, “Prime Minister sahib has made the right choice by selecting Bilawal sahib to continue advocating Pakistan’s stance internationally.”

Escalation and Ceasefire

Tensions flared after India blamed Pakistan—without evidence—for the Pahalgam attack last month. On May 6-7, India conducted airstrikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir, prompting Pakistan to retaliate by shooting down five Indian jets. After days of tit-for-tat strikes and intercepted drones, a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10 temporarily halted hostilities.

Despite the truce, India has maintained an aggressive posture, while Pakistan has warned against further escalation and offered dialogue.

Diplomatic Offensive

To counter India’s narrative, PM Shehbaz formed a delegation comprising Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari (leader), Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, Former foreign ministers Khurram Dastgir and Hina Rabbani Khar, Senators Sherry Rehman and Faisal Subzwari, Senior diplomats Tehmina Janjua and Jalil Abbas Jilani

The team will visit London, Washington, Paris, and Brussels to expose India’s “disinformation campaign” and highlight threats to regional stability.

Meanwhile, India has also announced plans to send seven all-party delegations to UN Security Council members and other allies to present its stance on terrorism and showcase “national consensus.”

As both nations engage in a diplomatic tug-of-war, Pakistan’s political leadership appears cautiously united in facing the crisis—though whether the PTI will join the delegation remains to be seen.