Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Leads Delegation in Brussels, Warns EU of Escalating Risks in South Asia

Brussels – June 14, 2025 – Ali Imran Chattha

Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, led a high-level delegation in a pivotal meeting with H.E. Ms. Belen Martínez Carbonell, Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS). The engagement focused on regional peace and security, with the Pakistani delegation urging the European Union to play a constructive role in defusing growing tensions between India and Pakistan.

During the meeting, Mr. Bhutto Zardari cautioned against the “illusion of calm” following recent ceasefire agreements, stressing that South Asia remains dangerously volatile. He warned that even a single incident—regardless of proof—could escalate into full-scale war between two nuclear-armed states.

“We must not mistake silence for stability,” said Bhutto Zardari. “A region with unresolved disputes and deep-rooted mistrust cannot be ignored. The EU, as a principled voice for international law, must encourage meaningful dialogue—not denial.”

The Pakistani delegation urged the EU to support a comprehensive dialogue addressing all critical points of friction, including the long-standing Kashmir dispute, regional terrorism concerns, and India’s increasingly aggressive posture regarding transboundary water resources. Pakistan raised alarm over India’s weaponisation of water, describing it as an “existential threat” to over 240 million Pakistanis and a violation of international legal norms, including the UN Charter.

Additionally, concerns were expressed over India’s attempts to politicize multilateral instruments such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), potentially undermining the neutrality and credibility of these mechanisms.

Mr. Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace, counter-terrorism cooperation, and progressive reform, emphasizing that regional stability can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

The meeting reflects Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to engage with key international stakeholders to address global concerns and promote regional peace in a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.