A high-powered Pakistani delegation, led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has arrived in New York to launch a series of diplomatic meetings at the United Nations, aiming to counter India’s narrative following the recent military clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The delegation, which includes prominent political figures such as Senator Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, Dr. Musadik Malik, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Bushra Anjum Butt, Tehmina Janjua, and Jalil Abbas Jilani, will meet with ambassadors from 14 of the 15 United Nations Security Council (UNSC) member states—including all five permanent members (China, Russia, the US, the UK, and France).

Key Objectives: Presenting Pakistan’s Narrative

According to the Foreign Ministry, the mission’s primary goal is to present Pakistan’s position on the recent military confrontation with India and to challenge New Delhi’s version of events. This includes rebutting Indian allegations that Pakistan orchestrated the April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 civilians. Islamabad has denied the accusations, labeling them baseless and politically motivated.

Meetings with UN Leadership and Media Engagements

The delegation’s schedule includes meetings with:

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres
• President of the UN General Assembly
• UN ambassadors of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries
• Ambassadors of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) states

The Pakistani team will also address members of the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA), an international network of journalists covering UN affairs, and later hold a separate briefing with Pakistani media personnel in New York.

Gaps in Outreach: Western Media and Civil Society

While the schedule includes extensive diplomatic outreach, notably absent are meetings with American media outlets, editorial boards, and civil society organizations focused on human rights, disinformation, and media accountability. Observers have pointed out that most of the meetings are with diplomats from traditionally friendly nations, raising concerns about the breadth and strategic reach of the delegation’s efforts.

No confirmed engagements have been announced with major U.S.-based human rights or peace advocacy groups. Similarly, outreach to independent fact-checking or disinformation watchdogs is missing—despite Pakistan’s stated aim to counter what it describes as “one-sided Indian propaganda.”

Parallel Diplomacy in Moscow

In a separate diplomatic push, another Pakistani delegation headed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi will visit Moscow starting June 2. This move is seen as part of Islamabad’s broader effort to consolidate international support amid rising tensions with India.

Backdrop: Operation ‘Bunyan-um-Marsoos’ and the May Ceasefire

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated rapidly after the April 22 attack in IIOJK. In response, Pakistan launched a retaliatory military operation—“Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”—targeting several Indian military positions. According to Pakistan’s military, six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including three Rafales, and numerous drones were downed during the campaign.

The conflict, which lasted nearly 87 hours, ended on May 10 with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Pakistan’s military reported 53 fatalities, including 13 armed forces personnel and 40 civilians, in Indian strikes during the brief but intense confrontation.

Uncertainty Around U.S. Engagement

While former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong statement concerning the conflict, it remains unclear which officials in Washington will engage directly with the Pakistani delegation. A potential meeting with a U.S. think tank is reportedly scheduled for June 5. Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is already in Washington, and Indian Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is expected to arrive soon from Latin America.

Looking Ahead

Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts at the UN this week are critical in shaping international perceptions of the recent military conflict and in addressing the broader Kashmir dispute. However, the lack of engagement with Western media and civil society may hinder Islamabad’s ability to fully contest India’s global messaging. As tensions linger, the effectiveness of Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy in New York remains to be seen.