ISLAMABAD : PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stated that armed separatist groups, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) are in contact with each other, with their center of operation based in Afghanistan and India acting as a facilitator.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Bilawal clarified that his earlier remarks—which had drawn criticism for referencing "Sindhi nationalist groups"—were actually directed at violent separatist elements. He acknowledged a "wrong choice of words" in his previous statement and apologized for the confusion.

"I was referring to separatist groups involved in terrorism, not nationalist political forces," Bilawal explained. He pointed to past attacks by both the TTP and separatist outfits, noting that an alliance now exists between such organizations. He further claimed that facilitators for these groups are based in a neighboring country, reiterating his stance that India is providing support to these elements.

The clarification comes a day after his initial remarks were perceived by some as targeting nationalist parties in Sindh and Balochistan. The PPP chairman's statement has sparked debate in political circles, with analysts viewing the clarification as an effort to distinguish between separatist militants and mainstream political groups.

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