Pakistan is sending a high-level delegation to Moscow, led by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, to convey Islamabad’s position on recent regional developments and promote peace through diplomacy.
The visit to Russia is part of a broader diplomatic outreach initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, under which another multi-party delegation—headed by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari—has been mobilised to Western capitals, including New York, Washington D.C., London, and Brussels.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Mr Fatemi’s delegation will engage with senior Russian officials, think tanks and media representatives to highlight Pakistan’s “responsible and peaceful stance” in contrast to India’s “irresponsible and aggressive actions.”
“This outreach is aimed at mobilising international opinion in favour of Pakistan and reinforcing the message that peace, dialogue and diplomacy must take precedence over conflict,” the FO said.
Meanwhile, the nine-member delegation led by Mr Bhutto-Zardari includes key political leaders and former diplomats: Dr Mosaddiq Malik, Senator Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan, Syed Faisal Ali Sabzwari, Bushra Anjum Butt, former foreign secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, and Tehmina Janjua.
The two delegations will meet with international stakeholders including government officials, parliamentarians, media, think tanks and the Pakistani diaspora, with a particular focus on the need for the international community to play a constructive role in ensuring stability in South Asia.
Among other priorities, the delegations will also raise the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling for the immediate restoration of its normal functioning and adherence to its original terms.
