PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday sharply criticized Indian media’s attempts to link Pakistan to terrorism, declaring that India “started a war based on a lie and lost miserably,” a pointed reference to last year’s May conflict. Bilawal made the remarks on the social media platform X, while reacting to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s interview with an Indian media channel.
In an interview with NDTV, Ibrahim — who was in India to attend the BRICS summit over the weekend — was asked whether he considered Israel’s actions against Hamas terrorism. “Yes, it is terrorism,” Ibrahim replied. The host then asked if “by that token,” what “Pakistan has done against India and in Pahalgam” would be considered “terrorism.”
“I would not go to that extent. I know it is very sensitive to say that in India. I’m a close friend of Modi ji, and we engage with the Pakistanis,” the Malaysian prime minister said. Asked why the Malaysian PM was “not as direct in criticising Pakistan for terrorism,” Ibrahim said: “Well, it has to be established.” He continued: “I mean, none of my intelligence establishment … would come back and tell me, ‘Anwar, yes, there was state-sponsored terrorism’. Therefore, I, as the prime minister of Malaysia, would then refer to this fact.”
Reacting to the clip of the interview, Bilawal said on Monday: “Malaysian PM exposing Indian propaganda, in India on Indian TV. The truth is India started a war based on a lie and lost miserably.” He said that India now stood “exposed internationally.”
“India must live up to its commitments made at the time of the ceasefire; to discuss all friction points with Pakistan. So we can together bring peace, prosperity and stability to our region,” he said. The PPP chairman’s remarks underscore the ongoing diplomatic friction between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with Bilawal’s comments amplifying Pakistan’s position that India’s allegations lack substantiation.
In May 2025, a four-day conflict between Pakistan and India was sparked by an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which New Delhi, without evidence, linked to Pakistan. Islamabad strongly denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation. The exchange between Bilawal and the Indian media narrative highlights the persistent tensions and the role of third-party nations in mediating or commenting on the dispute. Malaysia’s Prime Minister, while cautious, emphasized the need for evidence before assigning blame, a stance that Bilawal seized upon to argue that India’s claims are unproven.
The episode also reflects the broader international context, as the BRICS summit brought together leaders from various nations, providing a platform for such exchanges. Bilawal’s use of social media to counter Indian media narratives demonstrates Pakistan’s proactive approach in shaping international opinion. The PPP chairman’s call for dialogue and adherence to ceasefire commitments resonates with Pakistan’s consistent position advocating for peaceful resolution and stability in South Asia.
As the region remains on edge, Bilawal’s statements serve as a reminder of the fragile peace and the importance of evidence-based discourse. The Pakistani leadership continues to urge India to engage in meaningful dialogue to address all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure lasting peace and prosperity for the people of both nations.
Source: Dawn News