• Source:JND
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At a recent United Nations press conference, Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister and Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari claimed that India was using the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, as a political tool to “demonise Muslims.” His remarks quickly drew international attention and criticism.

Bhutto’s claim was countered by international journalist Ahmed Fathi, who directly addressed the Pakistani leader’s assertion. “Sir, I have watched the briefings from both sides. And as far as I recall, there were Muslim military officers conducting the briefing for India,” Fathi said. He went on to highlight the role of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a Muslim Indian Army officer who played a key role in Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military response.

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'Colonel Sofiya Qureshi'

Colonel Qureshi’s leadership in briefing and strategic operations was instrumental in India’s counterterrorism measures. Her presence not only exemplified the inclusivity of India’s armed forces but also directly contradicted Bhutto’s claim that Muslims in India are systematically targeted. Fathi’s mention of Qureshi left Bhutto briefly acknowledging the facts before diverting the conversation.

India’s response to the Pahalgam attack came on May 7, in the form of Operation Sindoor, which targeted and destroyed nine terror sites inside Pakistan. The strikes were in retaliation to Pakistan’s attempt to target Indian civil and military infrastructure. India responded with precision airstrikes, disabling multiple Pakistani airbases and sending a strong message on counterterrorism.

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Bhutto Admits Diplomatic Setbacks On Kashmir Issue

During the same press interaction, Bhutto admitted the challenges Pakistan faces in raising the Kashmir issue on international platforms. “As far as the hurdles we face within the UN and in general, as far as the Kashmir cause is concerned, that still exists,” he said. This admission reflects Islamabad’s ongoing struggles to gain international traction on the matter.