Bilawal Bhutto (ANI photo/File)
Pakistan’s ex-foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday claimed that Muslims were being “demonised” in India, but was served reality check by a foreign journalist.Bhutto-Zardari made the remark while speaking at a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York. In a copy-cat move, he is leading Pakistan’s delegation to the United States to highlight India’s “aggressive actions” amid the recent conflict between the neighbours.During a question and hour session, the journalist said, “Let me start with a statement you (Bhutto-Zardari) made today saying that the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir is being used as a political tool to demonise Muslims in India.”
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Was the journalist’s challenge to Bhutto-Zardari significant?
He added, “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.”The example left Bhutto-Zardari visibly caught off guard, who, without offering a rebuttal, simply nodded and said, “As far as the operations are concerned, you’re absolutely right.”The journalist was referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army. Colonel Qureshi, together with foreign secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, became the face of the government’s daily briefings on Operation Sindoor.
The operation, conducted on May 7, was India’s retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Under the operation, the Indian armed forces launched precision strikes on terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.The counter-terror action led to cross-border clashes between the nuclear-armed rivals. A ceasefire has been in effect since May 10, when Islamabad contacted New Delhi urging cessation of hostilities.
