Washington, D.C. June 6, 2025  
Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party and former Foreign Minister, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, met with U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Thursday, to discuss peace and security challenges in South Asia. The meeting took place on Capitol Hill as part of Mr. Bhutto Zardari’s ongoing diplomatic visit to the United States, where he is leading a delegation of senior Pakistani parliamentarians.

During the meeting, Mr. Bhutto Zardari drew attention to India’s escalatory rhetoric and the targeting of civilians during recent hostilities. He emphasized the destabilizing impact of such actions on regional peace and security.
The Chairman also highlighted the ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and raised concerns over India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a dangerous precedent and a violation of international norms.
Mr. Bhutto Zardari expressed appreciation for the role played by the United States, particularly President Donald Trump, in helping mediate a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which contributed to regional de-escalation and opened space for diplomacy.
He stressed that long-term peace would only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect, rather than provocation or coercive actions. Constructive engagement, he noted, wad essential to resolving longstanding disputes and promoting stability in South Asia.
Senator Cotton thanked Mr. Bhutto Zardari and the delegation for the candid and constructive exchange. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening U.S.-Pakistan relations, particularly in the areas of security cooperation and regional peacebuilding.