Pakistan Wins Big in Washington as Top US General Praises Counter-Terror Record

Strategic Insights -

The US Pentagon's acknowledgement of Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts has caused a significant diplomatic setback for India's efforts to isolate Islamabad. General Michael Kurilla, the US commander for the Middle East and Central Asia and South Asia (Centcom), told lawmakers that Pakistan has been a "phenomenal partner" in America's counterterrorism fight, praising its counter-terrorism record as "phenomenal." This statement underscores a shift in US policy, where Islamabad is being perceived as a valuable ally in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US commander for the Middle East and Central Asia and South Asia (Centcom), General Michael Kurilla, testified that Pakistan has been a "phenomenal partner" in America's counterterrorism fight.
  • Pakistan has been praised for its counter-terrorism efforts, with General Kurilla highlighting the country's success in arresting at least five ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) terrorists, including Mohammed Sharifullah, suspected of orchestrating a 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul airport that killed 13 US troops and at least 170 Afghan civilians.
  • The US has welcomed Pakistani delegations, including discussions on counter-terrorism cooperation, while India's diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan have experienced setbacks, including the Pakistani delegation's attendance at the US Army's 250th anniversary parade.
  • Pakistan's domestic press is reporting that hardline army chief Asim Munir will arrive in the US on Thursday and attend the US Army's 250th anniversary parade, further underscoring the country's improved ties with the US.
  • The Pentagon's acknowledgement of Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts comes as India has been pushing for Islamabad to be blacklisted as a state sponsor of terror.
  • The US is anxious to keep Pakistan firmly onside, as evidenced by the increased counter-terrorism cooperation and welcoming of Pakistani delegations for meetings, including discussions on counter-terrorism

Statistics:

  • Pakistan has experienced over 1,000 terrorist attacks in the western area since the beginning of 2024, killing around 700 security personnel and civilians, and wounding 2,500.
  • The US has provided intelligence to Pakistan that led to the arrest of at least five ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) terrorists, including Mohammed Sharifullah.
  • Pakistan's defence expenditure is set to increase by 20% to 2.55 trillion Pakistan rupees ($9 billion) for the coming financial year.
  • Russia is helping Pakistan revive a Soviet-era steel plant.
  • Pakistan is set to take over the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council next month.

Sources:

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  • ["Since the beginning of 2024, Pakistan had over 1,000 terrorist attacks in the western area, killing about 700 security (personnel) and civilians, and 2,500 (were) wounded," Kurilla said at a House Armed Services Committee hearing.](1)
  • [General Michael Kurilla, the US commander for the Middle East and Central Asia and South Asia (Centcom), told lawmakers that Pakistan has been a "phenomenal partner" in America's counterterrorism fight.](1)
  • [The Pakistani delegation led by the country's former foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, held parallel meetings with the State Department, including discussions on counter-terrorism cooperation.](1)
  • [Pakistan's domestic press reported that hardline army chief Asim Munir will arrive in the US on Thursday and attend the US Army's 250th anniversary parade.](1)
  • [The US is set to invest 2.55 trillion Pakistan rupees (9 billion US dollars) in defence spending for the coming financial year, marking a 20 per cent increase.](1)