Bilawal Bhutto defends ex-PM Imran Khan’s visit to Russia

Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday strongly defended Imran Khan’s Moscow visit, saying there was no way for the former prime minister to know that Russia would invade Ukraine on the day he landed in the Russian capital.

“As far the former prime minister’s trip to Russia, I would absolutely defend the former prime minister of Pakistan. He conducted that trip as part of his foreign policy and without knowing that — no one is psychic, no one has a sixth sense — there’s no way we could have possibly known that that would be the time [when] the current conflict will start,” Bilawal said.

“And I believe it is very unfair to punish Pakistan for such an innocent action.”

Pakistan, he said, was absolutely clear that it has to stand by the principles of the United Nations, including that of non-use of force, on this issue.

“We are not part of any conflict. We do not wish to be part of any conflict. In fact, we would continue to emphasise the importance of peace,” he said.

“We would continue to emphasise the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve this conflict as soon as possible. And we will certainly not take any side or take the side of any aggressor within this context.”

Twitterati praised FM Bilawal Bhutto for the way he defended not only the formal premier but Pakistan as well. Netizens did not spare this chance to compare Bilawal with Khan.

Good to see Pakistani representative actually supporting Ex Prime minister on international forum. (Not like khan) @ImranKhanPTI would never do that! That is why we need educated politicians like @BBhuttoZardari in Pakistan! #ForeignCorrespondent #BilawalBhuttoZardari https://t.co/oVjxamixdg

— Syeda Zuha Hussain (@Zuhahussainn) May 19, 2022

A prime example of the national interest trumping petty political interests.

Hard to imagine such poise from IK who tried to damage Pakistan's relationship with the US in a political tantrum.

Hats off @BBhuttoZardari. #PakFMAtUN #BilawalBhuttoZardari #NewYork pic.twitter.com/FSJWOHEP9g

— Hamza Azhar Salam (@HamzaAzhrSalam) May 19, 2022

Brilliant, Mature & Eloquent in all interactions and talks 🤍
Foreign Minister of Pakistan @BBhuttoZardari represented the country with elegance and responsibility.
No vendetta, no political point scoring—so composed & cool!
You Stand Tall 🙌#BilawalBhuttoZardari #PakFMAtUN 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/2RiGn8jpiq

— Senator Sehar Kamran T.I. (@SeharKamran) May 20, 2022

I think even Imran Khan's spokesperson couldn't defend his Russia trip as effectively as Bilawal has done here. @SMQureshiPTI this is called defending countries interest not individuals! #ppp #BilawalBhuttoZardari https://t.co/ipkYzzv0a3

— Bhutto (@Zulfiqa87244185) May 19, 2022

Not a fan of PPP and BBZ but gotta applaud #BilawalBhuttoZardari here. Political differences should be left at home when leaders are representing the country internationally. Hope @ImranKhanPTI too will rise above pettiness & selfishness and stops sowing chaos. https://t.co/BW8QpiIBRA

— Hina Khan (@cesthinakhan) May 20, 2022

It is so refreshing to see the overwhelming response on FM @BBhuttoZardari ‘s recent Press Conference by his strongest critics!

This is how you defend a Foreign Policy of the State 🇵🇰 keeping aside the Political Differences. Excellent Statesman Spirit by #BilawalBhuttoZardari

— Tahir Khattak (@TahirKhattakk) May 20, 2022