Former foreign minister and Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has asserted that the world should learn from the Pakistani forces how to fight terrorism effectively, as successful military operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad have “broken the spine of terrorists” and reshaped Pakistan’s internal security dynamics, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing an international conference in Islamabad titled ‘Pakistan’s War Against Terrorism’ on Wednesday, Bilawal delivered a firm message to both domestic and global audiences, stating that Pakistan will never bend before terrorists.
Bilawal reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment in the fight against terrorism, declaring that “surrender is not a word in Pakistan’s dictionary”. The former foreign minister stressed that terrorism is not just a local issue but an international one requiring collective global action and cooperation.
Calling on the international community to cooperate with Pakistan, Bilawal reminded the world of the heavy toll the country has already paid in its anti-terror efforts—90,000 lives lost. “Pakistan has suffered immense human and economic losses in this war,” he emphasised.
Bilawal warned of the emerging threat of digital terrorism, calling it one of the most complex challenges of the modern era. “To secure the future of our next generations, we must protect Pakistan from this current wave of terrorism,” he said. Bilawal urged that Silicon Valley must restructure its algorithms to address digital terrorism.
The PPP chairman also pointed out the responsibilities of regional players, especially Afghanistan and India.
Live: Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s inaugural address at the international conference on “Pakistan Fighting War for the World against Terrorism” https://t.co/EtiB2TxlBf
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 2, 2025
Bilawal offered a striking gesture of global cooperation—proposing even to work alongside India’s Hindutva-driven Modi government and the Taliban’s interim regime in Afghanistan to defeat terrorism.
Bilawal called upon India to refrain from blame games and instead become part of global efforts to counter terrorism. “Pakistan talks of peace in Kashmir and Palestine,” he stated, reiterating Islamabad’s willingness to fight terrorism shoulder to shoulder with New Delhi—if India is ready to abandon its extremist mindset.
"The Indian leadership must change its hardline approach," Bilawal said, adding that India should engage in sincere dialogue over the Kashmir issue. He accused India of funding terrorism in Balochistan, particularly by financially supporting groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade.
Touching on regional threats, Bilawal expressed concern over a 40% surge in attacks on Pakistan since the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan. Bilawal urged the Afghan government to prevent its territory from being used for cross-border terrorism.
He affirmed Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate with Afghanistan in the war against terrorism: “We’re ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Afghanistan to eliminate terror.” He urged the Afghan government to honour the terms of the Doha Agreement to ensure lasting regional stability.
In the grim arithmetic of the last two and half decades, Pakistan has buried 9200 sons and daughters, civilians and soldiers alike. Our economy has forfeited more than a billion dollars in lost growth, shattered infrastructure, and displaced livelihoods. And we still fight… pic.twitter.com/x1lXNVixfZ
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 2, 2025
Bilawal emphasised, “Terrorism has no religion, no tribe, and no nation.” This universal threat, he said, calls for joint action across borders and ideologies.
He also echoed the last words of his mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, recalling her warning that terrorists sought to hoist their flag in Swat. He cautioned that terror organisations are actively targeting youth for recruitment and called for urgent measures to counter this influence.
He added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plays a vital role in regional geopolitics, pointing out that its route passes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Balochistan.
On financial support, banks that knowingly clear terror linked remittance should face the same stigma as those who launder drug money. FATF must evolve from a punitive grey listing to pro-active intelligence pooling. And finally, success cannot come with hard power alone. We must… pic.twitter.com/9AT1brE3rF
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 2, 2025