LONDON: The Pakistan High Commission in London confirmed that the Indian delegation withdrew from a scheduled debate at the Oxford Union on Thursday, resulting in an unopposed victory for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner Dr Mohammad Faisal was present at the event, accompanied by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General (Retd) Zubair Mehmood Hayat, and former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.
The debate, which was to focus on India’s policy towards Pakistan, specifically whether it is driven by populist sentiment or strategic considerations, saw the Indian delegation backing out at the last moment. Indian speakers, who had been confirmed for the event, also chose to withdraw, exposing the fragility of their position.
The High Commission noted that prominent Indian analysts, who frequently engage in anti-Pakistan rhetoric in the media, were conspicuously absent when given the chance to engage in open, constructive dialogue. Pakistan had come prepared to present a reasoned defense of its position, grounded in facts, legal arguments, and diplomacy. However, India opted to forgo the debate before it could even begin.
The Indian delegation’s withdrawal raised questions not only about the strength of their argument but also about the credibility of their narrative, especially among their own audience. In contrast, Pakistan’s delegation was fully prepared with a well-articulated, confident, and evidence-based stance.
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