New Delhi, May 4: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has suspended access to the social media accounts of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The move comes in the wake of recent statements by Pakistani leaders acknowledging the country's troubled history with terrorism. Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in an interview with Sky News anchor Yalda Hakim, admitted Pakistan's past ties with extremist groups. “It is no secret that Pakistan has a past… We have suffered from it, and we’ve learned our lessons. There have been internal reforms to address this issue,” he said. Bhutto emphasized that while extremism was once a reality, it is no longer a path the country follows.
His comments came after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif conceded Pakistan’s historical role in supporting and funding terrorist organizations.
Despite advocating peace in public statements, Bhutto also adopted a more aggressive tone during a political rally in Mirpur Khas. He declared Pakistan’s willingness to retaliate if provoked by India. “Pakistan is a peaceful country, and Islam is a peaceful religion. But if someone attacks our Sindhu (Indus), they must be prepared for war,” he warned, asserting the nation's readiness to defend its interests.
Bhutto also faced backlash for a controversial remark related to the Indus Waters Treaty, saying, “Either water or blood will flow,” in reference to India’s alleged threats to the treaty that governs river water sharing between the two countries.
