Weaponizing environmental resources can be dangerous, says Bilawal Bhutto

Head of the Pakistani parliamentary delegation, Bilawal Bhutto, stated that if treaties like the Indus Waters Treaty are weakened, regional peace will be at risk. He emphasized that Pakistan exercised its right to self-defense in response to Indian aggression. He warned that weaponizing environmental resources could be dangerous, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty is equivalent to destabilizing peace in the region. He also condemned the Israeli attack on Iran and urged the international community to take immediate steps to halt war in the region.

Bilawal Bhutto, leading the Pakistani delegation, held meetings with members of Belgium’s Parliament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other key officials. On this occasion, Bilawal stated that Pakistan being given responsibility for UN committees on counterterrorism is a major success. He added that India, which labels Pakistan as “Terroristan,” received a strong rebuttal from the United Nations.

The delegation met with Vice Chair of the Belgian Foreign Affairs Committee, Kathleen Depoorter, and Chair of the Pakistan-Belgium Parliamentary Friendship Group, Franky Demon, along with other members of the Belgian Senate and House of Representatives. The delegation emphasized that Pakistan supports comprehensive dialogue for sustainable peace and resolution of regional issues.

During a meeting with Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, the delegation stressed the need to continue granting Pakistan preferential trade access under GSP+ to boost Pakistan’s textile exports to Europe. The delegation also informed European officials about India’s aggressive actions against Pakistani citizens.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed hope that European officials would pressure India to refrain from unlawful actions such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. The delegation reiterated that Pakistan desires peace and advocates resolving all issues, including Kashmir, through dialogue.

The Pakistani parliamentary delegation also met with Lucie Sestakova, Head of Cabinet for the European Commissioner for International Partnerships; Cabinet Expert on Asia Natividad Lorenzo; and Ambassador Paul De Witte, Director General of the prominent European think tank Egmont Institute. The delegation informed them that despite a ceasefire, India is using water as a weapon.

Bilawal Bhutto noted that top U.S. military officials consider Pakistan an exceptional partner in the fight against terrorism, and even President Trump had expressed readiness to mediate on the Kashmir issue. He added that the European Union should also play a role in resolving Kashmir.

Bilawal reiterated that if agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty are weakened, it will pose a threat to regional peace. Pakistan responded to Indian aggression by exercising its right to defend itself. Weaponizing environmental resources, he warned again, could be dangerous. Suspending the Indus Treaty would be tantamount to destabilizing the region.

He also condemned the Israeli attack on Iran and urged the global community to immediately act to prevent war in the region.