Following Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s candid admission about Pakistan’s past in backing terror groups, Bilawal Bhutto says the country has learned from its mistakes and now seeks peace—unless provoked.
May 2, 2025 | Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has admitted that Pakistan’s historical ties to terrorist groups have deeply hurt the nation, but insisted that internal reforms and lessons learned from the past have guided the country toward a new direction.
“It is not a secret that Pakistan has a past… As a result, we have suffered, Pakistan has suffered,” Bhutto said during an interview with Sky News’s Yalda Hakim on Thursday.
His statement came just days after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made international headlines by admitting that Pakistan had supported and funded terror outfits in the past — allegedly under pressure from the US and the West during the Cold War and post-9/11 era.
🔍 Bhutto: ‘We Have Reformed’
Acknowledging the damage caused by extremism, Bhutto said Pakistan had endured “wave after wave” of terrorism, and that hard-earned experience had led to “internal reforms to address this problem.”
“It is true that it is an unfortunate part of our history… But we are not partaking in it today,” Bhutto said.
⚔️ Rhetoric at Mirpur Khas Rally: Peaceful but Prepared
Speaking later at a rally in Mirpur Khas, Bhutto switched to more familiar rhetoric, asserting that while Pakistan is a peaceful country, it will not hesitate to respond if provoked.
“We do not want war, but if someone attacks our Sindhu, then they should be ready for war,” Bhutto warned.
“If provoked, the roar of a united Pakistan will be deafening.”
🎙️ Khawaja Asif’s Viral Confession
In a now-viral interview, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed Pakistan’s role in aiding terrorist networks during past geopolitical conflicts.
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“We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades… That was a mistake, and we suffered for that,” Asif said.
His comment sparked international debate, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in India, which killed 26 civilians. Indian officials have accused Pakistan-based groups of masterminding the attack, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
🏛️ What This Means
The admissions by top Pakistani leaders come amid mounting diplomatic pressure, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and calls to place Pakistan back on the FATF Grey List. With Pakistan’s credibility under international scrutiny, Bhutto’s call for peace—alongside warnings of retaliation—appears aimed at balancing internal politics with global optics.
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