Pakistan, US hold counterterrorism dialogue, reaffirm commitment to combating terrorist groups

WASHINGTON: The United States and Pakistan on Tuesday held the fourth counterterrorism dialogue in Washington, reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorist groups and strengthening security cooperation at a time when regional tensions remain high. The talks were led by US Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Gregory LoGerfo and Foreign Ministry Special Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir, a joint statement released by the US State Department said. “The dialogue underscored shared interests in the US-Pakistan counterterrorism partnership and the two countries’ determination to confront terrorism,” the joint statement said. “Delegations exchanged views on the current threat environment, explored avenues to enhance collaboration, and discussed steps to strengthen border security and disrupt terrorist facilitation networks,” it added. The statement specifically named ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), Al Qaeda, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliates among organisations that both governments said posed threats to regional security. “The US and Pakistan affirmed their joint resolve to confront terrorist organisations that endanger the safety of their citizens and the stability of the region,” the statement said. “The two governments committed to ensuring their counterterrorism collaboration to keep both of their nations safe and secure, and as part of an enduring vision of regional peace, prosperity, and stability,” it said. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said that the two sides held “extensive deliberations on the regional and global terrorist threat and pledged to deepen counterterrorism collaboration both bilaterally and at multilateral fora”.

The renewed engagement marks a shift from the difficult period in US-Pakistan relations following the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in 2021. Washington had expressed concerns over terrorists sanctuaries in the region, while Islamabad repeatedly highlighted the security challenges it faced from cross-border militancy and instability in Afghanistan. In recent years, both countries have sought to move beyond disagreements and focus on areas of mutual interest, including counterterrorism, trade, investment, climate cooperation, and regional stability. Pakistan’s strategic location and longstanding diplomatic links with neighbouring countries have also increased its importance in regional diplomacy. Pakistan’s diplomatic role gained renewed attention during the US-Iran conflict, as Islamabad has mediated between the two sides. The improved engagement with the US also comes as Pakistan continues to face serious internal security challenges. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based think tank, violence linked to terrorist attacks and counter-terrorism operations intensified sharply in July, making it the deadliest month of 2026, with 112 security personnel among 205 people killed.