Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Friday met with US Consul General Zachary Harkenrider to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional security and mutual relations.
During the meeting, both sides stressed the historical strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States, stressing the need to further strengthen ties.
The recent arrest of a high-profile terrorist – who was among the most wanted by Pakistani security agencies – was hailed as an important success which reflected Pakistan's unwavering commitment to counterterrorism.
Acknowledging Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, both parties agreed that the efforts and sacrifices of security forces and the public must not go in vain.
It was further acknowledged that Pakistan has consistently cooperated with the US in efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region and will continue to do so.
Moreover, the discussions highlighted Pakistan's improving economic and foreign relations, with an emphasis on enhancing people-to-people ties with the US.
The Pakistani government expressed its desire to foster stronger relations based on mutual interests, aiming to deepen cooperation in various sectors for the benefit of both nations.
In a press briefing in Washington on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in securing Sharifullah's capture.
"We extend our gratitude to the government of Pakistan, we really do. We have a common interest in fighting terrorism," she said, emphasising that the arrest underscores the vital nature of continued collaboration in fighting terrorism.
Counter-terror cooperation with Pakistan is vitally important, she said.
IS-K terrorist Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was apprehended by Pakistani authorities and later extradited to the United States based on intelligence provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sharifullah is believed to have played a significant part in the 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul's Abbey Gate during the US military's withdrawal from Afghanistan, an attack that killed over 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen.
The US Justice Department revealed that Sharifullah had confessed to scouting the airport's route before the bomb went off, amid a crowd attempting to flee Kabul after the Taliban's takeover.
The arrest also illustrated the role of critical intelligence exchanged between the Trump administration and Pakistani officials, which helped lead to Sharifullah's confession.
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