United States Central Command (Centcom) commander General Michael Kurilla has described Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner in the world of counter-terrorism,” highlighting Islamabad’s ongoing efforts against terrorist groups such as Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Speaking before the US House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, Gen Kurilla commended Pakistan’s security forces for their active role in apprehending high-value IS-K operatives and disrupting terrorist networks along the Afghan border.
He noted that Pakistan, with support from US intelligence, has captured at least five key IS-K figures, including Mohammad Sharifullah, an Afghan national linked to the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul. Sharifullah was extradited to the United States after his arrest earlier this year, a move coordinated directly between Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and US defense officials.
Gen Kurilla emphasized that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism fight remains intense, with over 1,000 terrorist attacks reported in the country’s western regions since the start of 2024. He acknowledged the toll on Pakistan, citing the loss of hundreds of security personnel and civilians, and stressed that the country is “in an active counter-terrorism fight right now.”
The Centcom chief also explained the importance of maintaining strong US relations with both Pakistan and India, stating, “We have to have a relationship with Pakistan and with India. I don’t believe it’s a binary switch that we can’t have one with Pakistan if we have one with India. We should look at the merits of the relationship for the positives that it has.”
The remarks come as Pakistan and the US prepare for another round of counter-terrorism dialogue this month, following a May 10 meeting in Washington that reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to regional and global security cooperation.
US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have recently expressed interest in deepening ties with Pakistan across various sectors, with counter-terrorism remaining a top priority. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United States, particularly in the fight against terrorism.