US General Highlights Pakistan’s Role in Counter-Terrorism
In a recent statement that may raise eyebrows in diplomatic circles, a leading US military official emphasized the importance of maintaining robust ties with both Pakistan and India. Gen. Michael Kurilla, the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), described Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner" in the ongoing fight against the regional terror threat posed by Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP).
The Complex Regional Security Landscape
IS-KP is a notorious offshoot of the Islamic State, operating primarily across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Central Asia. The group continues to plot attacks globally, including targeting US interests.
Despite Pakistan’s contentious terror history, Kurilla praised the Pakistani military and Army Chief Asim Munir for their active role in battling IS-KP. He noted that Islamabad has conducted roughly 1,000 terrorist-related counterattacks in 2024 alone, during which about 700 security personnel and 2,500 civilians lost their lives.
Balancing Ties With Pakistan and India
Addressing concerns over bilateral relationships in South Asia, Kurilla dispelled the notion of an either-or approach between India and Pakistan. “We don’t have to see the relationship as a binary switch,” he said, underscoring the need to engage with both nations constructively and based on their merits.
This is particularly poignant given India’s recent vocal condemnation of Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism, especially following the tragic Pahalgam attack earlier this year, which claimed 26 lives. India responded decisively with precision strikes under "Operation Sindoor," targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7.
Recent Cross-Border Clashes and Diplomacy
The heightened tensions saw Pakistan attempting retaliatory strikes on Indian military bases in early May, which were met with strong Indian counteractions. After several days of drone and missile exchanges, both sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, aiming to de-escalate the conflict.
Indian leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, have since emphasized the distinction between victims of terrorism and perpetrators, urging the international community not to equate India with Pakistan in this context.
Strategic Importance of Pakistan in US Counter-Terrorism
With CENTCOM overseeing military operations in a critical region spanning 21 countries, maintaining effective partnerships is vital. While military cooperation with India is managed by the Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, Kurilla’s statements underscore Pakistan’s unique position in countering threats from groups like IS-KP.
He highlighted Islamabad’s cooperative efforts, supported by limited US intelligence sharing, leading to the elimination of numerous IS-KP operatives and the capture of key terrorists.
One notable success involved the extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah (aka Jafar), linked to the deadly 2021 Kabul airport suicide attack that claimed the lives of 13 US service members and 160 civilians. Kurilla recounted how Pakistan’s Army Chief Munir personally informed him about Jafar’s capture and willingness to hand him over to US authorities.
Looking Ahead: Pakistan’s Growing Counter-Terrorism Role
Gen. Kurilla stressed that Pakistan’s strategic importance in combating terrorism in Central and South Asia will likely increase, as the Taliban continue to face internal security challenges in Afghanistan.
As geopolitical dynamics evolve, this nuanced stance from a top US military official signals an approach driven by pragmatism — balancing security imperatives with delicate diplomatic relations in the region.
