Islamabad, June 23, 2025: Former Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, on Monday issued a strong appeal for an end to Israeli aggression in the region, warning that global silence on Tel Aviv’s widening military campaign — now targeting Iran — could lead to catastrophic consequences.
“If we don’t speak out for Iranians, there will be no one left when they come for us,” Bilawal warned during a speech in the National Assembly, evoking Pastor Martin Niemöller’s famed poem First They Came.
“First, they came for the Palestinians, and the world remained silent. Then the Lebanese, and then the Yemenis — and again, silence. Now they’ve come for Iran,” he said. “The Israeli regime’s aggression must be stopped. This war, driven by genocidal ambition, risks dragging the entire world into World War III.”
Bilawal’s remarks come amid a sharp escalation in the Middle East following Israel’s military strikes on Iran, including reported attacks on nuclear sites, and subsequent U.S. airstrikes. He also linked the crisis to broader geopolitical trends, citing a pattern of unchecked aggression that could destabilize the region.
The former FM called on Muslim-majority countries and the international community to take a principled stand, warning that appeasement or silence would only embolden further military adventurism.
Pakistan’s diplomatic offensive after India conflict
Bilawal also referenced Pakistan’s recent conflict with India in May, following New Delhi’s cross-border strikes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK) Pahalgam region. He credited Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos for downing six Indian Air Force jets — including three Rafales — and several drones.
“We achieved military, diplomatic, and narrative victories through the blessings of Allah,” he stated, adding that the PPP-led diplomatic delegation had effectively represented Pakistan’s stance in Western capitals. “Wherever we went, the ‘cheap copy’ of Netanyahu — referring to Indian leadership — sent its envoys to counter us. But we had already won the war of perception.”
Bilawal criticized India for claiming that Kashmir is its internal matter, stating that global sentiment is shifting in favor of the Kashmiri people. He referenced past U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments in favor of mediation, saying Pakistan would continue to fight diplomatically for justice in Kashmir.
Touching upon water disputes, Bilawal declared India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty “illegal” and warned: “Threatening to block Pakistan’s water violates the UN Charter. If India proceeds, Pakistan will be forced to respond — including militarily.”
He reiterated, “We will secure the waters of all six rivers. If India diverts them, we will go to war.”
On the economic front, Bilawal accused a domestic political party of attempting to sabotage Pakistan’s IMF program and said India also sought to have Pakistan labelled a terrorist state but failed.
Turning to the FY2025–26 federal budget, the PPP chairman announced his party’s support for the Rs17.57 trillion spending plan. However, he advocated higher increases in public sector salaries and pensions than the proposed 10% and 7%, respectively.
Bilawal also stressed equitable development, urging the federal government to allocate at least 30% of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funds to South Punjab, and increase financial support to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing terrorism-related challenges in both provinces.
During the session, opposition members attempted to disrupt Bilawal’s address, prompting intervention from the speaker. Responding coolly, Bilawal said: “Mr Speaker, please ignore them — the public already has.”
He concluded by asserting that while the PPP is not part of the cabinet, it remains the true representative of the people.
