Published on: June 4, 2025 12:18 pm
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Urges Pakistan-India Intelligence Cooperation Against Terrorism
In a significant diplomatic statement, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party and former foreign minister of Pakistan, has called for direct intelligence collaboration between Pakistan and India to effectively curb terrorism in South Asia. Speaking at a press event at the United Nations on June 4, 2025, he stated that cooperation between Pakistan’s ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) and India’s RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) could be a game-changer in the battle against terrorism.
This article explores Bhutto’s remarks, the current political context, and the potential implications for regional peace and security.
5 Powerful Reasons Why Intelligence Cooperation Matters
1. Strengthening the Fight Against Terrorism
Both India and Pakistan have been victims of terrorism for decades. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasized:
“If ISI and RAW sit down and work together, terrorism in both India and Pakistan could significantly decrease.”
This cooperation could enhance intelligence sharing to prevent attacks, disrupt terror networks, and dismantle extremist groups.
2. Establishing a Joint Accountability Platform
Bhutto-Zardari proposed a joint intelligence platform to raise concerns, investigate incidents, and hold perpetrators accountable. This could foster transparency and reduce accusations of false flag operations.
3. Reducing Military Escalations and Conflicts
Increased intelligence collaboration can reduce misunderstandings and limit military escalations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, helping prevent potential crises.
4. Improving Economic and Regional Stability
Terrorism negatively impacts both economies. Peaceful cooperation could promote economic growth, regional trade, and investments, benefiting millions in South Asia.
5. Boosting International Confidence and Relations
Collaborative efforts would improve both countries’ global image and could unlock further international cooperation with organizations like Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Background: Rising Tensions and Operation Sindoor
The call for cooperation comes after India’s Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025. The operation was a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 13 civilians, including tourists.
In this tense atmosphere, Bhutto-Zardari’s call for dialogue is a hopeful sign for diplomatic de-escalation.
Challenges to Cooperation
Historical Mistrust
The long history of espionage and proxy conflicts has created deep mistrust between ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) and RAW (Research and Analysis Wing). Political leadership will need courage to push for collaboration despite opposition.
Nationalist Sentiments
Rising nationalist voices in both countries may oppose cooperation. However, voices like Bhutto-Zardari’s are crucial to changing the narrative toward peace.
🌐 International Response and the Role of Global Powers
The international community has taken note of Bhutto-Zardari’s remarks, with many foreign policy analysts viewing it as a diplomatic opening for broader peace talks. Countries like the United States, Russia, and China—which maintain strategic ties with both India and Pakistan—could play a crucial role in facilitating backchannel discussions or offering technical support for intelligence collaboration. Global counter-terrorism organizations, including Interpol and UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), may also provide neutral platforms for initial confidence-building initiatives. Moreover, such cooperation could help both nations improve their global image, especially regarding human rights, cross-border security, and anti-terrorism commitments—key metrics for gaining access to international trade and development frameworks. In an increasingly interconnected world, bilateral intelligence coordination could also have ripple effects in curbing transnational extremism across Central and South Asia.
Conclusion: A Path Toward Lasting Peace
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s call for Pakistan-India intelligence cooperation represents a pragmatic and hopeful approach to a long-standing problem. With mutual commitment and support from the international community, this initiative could significantly reduce terrorism, enhance regional security, and open a new chapter of peace in South Asia.
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