Zardari stated that Pakistan’s intelligence services have since changed course and no longer collaborate with extremist elements..reports Asian Lite News
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, has openly acknowledged Pakistan’s historical support for terrorist groups and the Taliban, calling it a difficult chapter in the nation’s history. Speaking to Yalda Hakim in an interview with Sky News, Zardari addressed Islamabad’s controversial past, including the presence of Pakistan’s intelligence chief in Kabul during the Taliban’s takeover.
According to Khaama Press, Zardari stressed that these policies are no longer in practice. He pointed to Pakistan’s prior backing of the anti-Soviet Mujahideen and its coordination with NATO forces in Afghanistan as part of a broader geopolitical strategy at the time—often undertaken in alignment with Western powers.
Zardari stated that Pakistan’s intelligence services have since changed course and no longer collaborate with extremist elements. He stressed that the country is now committed to combating terrorism and moving away from the alliances of the past.
He also supported earlier remarks made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who had admitted that Pakistan supported terrorist groups for over 30 years—often, he noted, in service to the strategic interests of the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western nations.
Zardari’s candid remarks underscore a notable shift in Pakistan’s narrative, reflecting a broader desire for reform and a reset in foreign policy. His acknowledgment adds to the growing discourse around Pakistan’s historical role in regional conflicts and signals a potential for increased collaboration with the international community in counterterrorism efforts.
