Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has made a surprising pivot—from vowing bloodshed over river water to calling for peace with India. Just days after issuing a fiery warning over the Indus Waters Treaty, Bhutto now says Pakistan is open to dialogue.
Bilawal’s New Message: “Let’s Talk Peace”
Speaking in Pakistan’s National Assembly on Tuesday, Bhutto sounded a markedly different note.
“If India wishes to walk the path of peace, let them come with open hands, not clenched fists. Let us sit as neighbours and speak the truth,” he said, striking a tone of reconciliation.
Just Days Ago: “Blood Will Flow in the Indus”
This change comes less than two weeks after Bhutto’s explosive threat in Sukkur:
“The Indus is ours and will remain ours, whether water flows in this Indus or their blood.”
The statement came in response to India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack claimed 26 civilian lives, including tourists, sparking outrage and a wave of retaliatory actions from New Delhi.
India Hits Back: Treaty Suspended, Borders Sealed
In a bold diplomatic move, India not only suspended the water-sharing treaty but also shut down the Attari-Wagah border crossing and downgraded diplomatic ties with Islamabad. The message from New Delhi was clear: terror will not be tolerated.
Bhutto’s rhetoric had digital consequences as well. His account on platform X (formerly Twitter) was suspended following his bloodshed remark. Former PM Imran Khan’s account was also withheld in India for legal reasons, adding to the tension.
Still Warning, But With Softer Edges
Even in his new peace appeal, Bhutto couldn’t resist slipping in a veiled warning:
“If they do not come in peace, let them remember that the people of Pakistan are not made to kneel. We fight not because we love conflict, but because we love freedom.”
Terror Admission Adds Fuel to Fire
Bhutto’s earlier comments acknowledging Pakistan’s connection to terrorism—“I don’t think it’s a secret”—have drawn strong criticism. Many observers see his recent peace overture as a desperate attempt to contain the damage.
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What’s Behind the U-Turn?
Analysts believe Bhutto’s softening stance may be strategic, aimed at de-escalating after India’s firm and immediate retaliation. With rising global scrutiny and internal political pressure, peace may now be a more convenient option.
The Big Question
Is Pakistan genuinely turning a new leaf, or is this just another tactical pause in a cycle of provocation? For now, India is watching—and waiting.
