ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has termed the ongoing Islamabad Talks a “big victory for diplomacy,” emphasizing that sustained dialogue remains the only viable path toward lasting peace amid escalating global tensions.
In an exclusive interview with TRT World, Bilawal Bhutto lauded the collective diplomatic efforts of Pakistan and key international partners, including China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, for helping create the space that enabled a ceasefire and the commencement of talks in Islamabad.
Describing the development as a significant achievement, he said that as long as dialogue continues, there remains hope for peace, particularly in light of the severe human and economic toll witnessed during the recent conflict.
Reflecting on the past six weeks, Bilawal warned that failure to sustain the ceasefire or reach a lasting resolution could plunge the region into deeper crisis, with far-reaching global consequences. He noted that the impact of the conflict had extended well beyond the immediate region, affecting fuel prices, inflation, and economic stability worldwide.
“Everybody felt the cost of this war,” he said, cautioning that continued hostilities would only exacerbate the situation and further destabilize global markets and societies.
He stressed that while diplomacy is often complex and challenging, it remains the only effective solution, arguing that military approaches have repeatedly failed to deliver lasting peace in various conflicts across the Middle East.
Highlighting Pakistan’s regional perspective, he pointed to the country’s proximity to Iran and Afghanistan, noting that Pakistan has directly experienced the consequences of prolonged conflicts in its neighborhood.
Bilawal expressed hope that direct engagement between the United States and Iran would lead to a sustainable outcome, with both sides exercising influence over their respective allies to ensure de-escalation.
He further underscored that the international community has a shared stake in resolving the crisis, as modern conflicts have far-reaching implications that transcend geographical boundaries.
Referring to Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia, he noted the existence of a bilateral security framework, while appreciating the restraint shown by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in opting for diplomacy despite provocations.
Concluding his remarks, Bilawal Bhutto reiterated that peace serves the interests of all nations, while war benefits none, expressing optimism that the Islamabad Talks would pave the way for a more stable and secure future.
