Pakistan Leader Bilawal calls Modi ‍‍`cheaper version‍‍` of Netanyahu

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stirred controversy with a sharp criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labeling him a "cheaper version" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The remark came during a press conference at the United Nations, where Bhutto accused Modi of mimicking Netanyahu’s policies, warning India not to “be inspired by bad examples.”

Bhutto’s comment sparked a strong response from India. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the statement, calling it “a new low for Pakistan.” The ministry said rather than lashing out at other nations, Pakistan’s leadership should focus on rooting out terrorism within its own borders.

Indian MP Milind Deora, part of the UN delegation led by Shashi Tharoor, also criticized Bhutto. Deora said it was “ironic and unfortunate” that Bhutto, a young leader, seemed to side with individuals in the US who may have been linked to the assassination of his mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bhutto both praised former US President Donald Trump for his role in helping defuse recent military tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Sharif labeled the incident a “false-flag operation” and credited Trump for brokering a ceasefire after four days of conflict.

Calling Trump “a man of peace,” Sharif criticized India for refusing Pakistan’s proposal for an impartial international investigation into the attack. He also highlighted improved diplomatic ties between the US and Pakistan, calling it a “revival” of their relationship.

During his UN address, Bhutto also invoked Pakistan’s historical identity, saying, “We are the successors of the Indus Valley Civilization,” referencing Mohenjo-daro’s proximity to his constituency.

Bhutto accused the Indian government of politicizing the Pahalgam attack to target Muslims. However, a journalist present challenged his claim, noting that Muslim officers like Colonel Sophia Qureshi had publicly represented India in briefings on the operation. This, the journalist argued, undermined Bhutto’s narrative of religious bias.

Bhutto reiterated Pakistan’s interest in peaceful dialogue with India but rejected the idea of talks with preconditions. He criticized India for blaming Pakistan without evidence and emphasized that both countries being nuclear-armed made the situation more precarious. He asserted Pakistan’s stance against terrorism, highlighting the country’s own losses in combating extremism.

In an effort to garner international support, Pakistan has sent a nine-member delegation to New York, Washington DC, London, and Brussels. Led by Bhutto, the team includes high-profile figures like Climate Change Minister Dr. Musaddiq Malik, former ministers Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, and Khurram Dastgir Khan, among others.