Pakistan, US vow closer collaboration in fight against terrorism
Photo: File
Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their intention to work together closely in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to advance effective and enduring counterterrorism strategies.
A joint press statement confirmed that the latest round of the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue took place on Tuesday, where both sides reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Nabeel Munir, Special Secretary for the United Nations, and Gregory D LoGerfo, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the US Department of State.
Delegations from both countries underscored the importance of developing effective counterterrorism measures, particularly in relation to groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army, ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The US praised Pakistan’s continued efforts to contain terrorist groups that threaten both regional and global peace. It also extended condolences for the loss of civilians and law enforcement officers in recent terrorist attacks, including the Jaffar Express bombing and the deadly school bus attack in Khuzdar.
Both delegations emphasised the need to build stronger institutional frameworks and enhance capabilities to respond to emerging security challenges, particularly the use of new technologies by terrorist groups.
Reaffirming the long-standing partnership between the two nations, both sides agreed that sustained and structured engagement is crucial to countering terrorism and fostering peace and stability in the region.
The U.S. Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo, today called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.
The DPM/FM Dar was briefed on the discussions held during the Pakistan- U.S. CT Dialogue.
The DPM/FM… pic.twitter.com/4zIxkdLaNVA day earlier, the US designated the BLA and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO), the State Department issued a statement on its website.
The statement further said that the Majeed Brigade has also been added as an alias to BLA’s previous Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) listing, which makes it a crime in the US to provide support to the groups.
BLA was first designated as an SDGT in 2019 following multiple terrorist attacks. Since then, the group has claimed responsibility for further violent incidents, including attacks carried out by the Majeed Brigade, the statement added.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that today’s action underlines the Trump administration’s commitment to countering terrorism. “Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities,” Rubio said.