Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has openly acknowledged the country’s troubled history with terrorism, stating that Pakistan has endured the consequences of supporting extremist elements and has since taken steps to reform. His remarks come shortly after Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif made a rare and blunt admission about the nation’s role in backing and funding terrorist outfits in the past.

Speaking to Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim on Thursday, Bhutto remarked, "As far as what the defence minister said, I don't think it is a secret that Pakistan has a past... As a result, we have suffered, Pakistan has suffered. We have gone through wave after wave of extremism. But as a result of what we suffered, we also learned our lessons. We have gone through internal reforms to address this problem..."

Acknowledging the legacy of extremism, Bhutto added, “As far as Pakistan's history is concerned, it is history and it is not something that we are partaking in today. It is true that it is an unfortunate part of our history.”

His remarks echoed Defence Minister Khwaja Asif’s recent candid confession during a similar interview with Hakim, where Asif said, “We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades... and the West, including Britain... That was a mistake, and we suffered for that."

These statements mark a significant departure from Pakistan’s traditionally defensive stance on accusations of terror sponsorship. However, Bhutto’s rhetoric during a public rally in Mirpur Khas on Thursday struck a more aggressive tone, indicating that despite the call for peace, Islamabad would respond forcefully to any provocation.

“Pakistan is a peaceful country, and Islam is a peaceful religion. We do not want war, but if someone attacks our Sindhu, then they should be ready for war. We don't beat the drums of war, but if provoked, the roar of a united Pakistan will be deafening,” Bhutto warned.