US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Ties Strengthened by IS-K Terrorist’s Arrest
KARACHI:
The recent capture and extradition of an Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) militant responsible for the deadly August 26, 2021, attack on US Marines highlight the significance of US-Pakistan counterterrorism collaboration. This development could potentially serve as a foundation for improving bilateral relations between the two nations.
In an interview with VOA Deewa Services, Lisa Curtis, a senior fellow and director at the Indo-Pacific Security Program within the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), emphasized the importance of this move.
“I see this as a potential stepping stone to revamp the US-Pakistan relationship—a highly significant step,” Curtis remarked. “President [Donald] Trump even acknowledged it during his address to the US Congress.”
Her statement referred to the recent capture of Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, by Pakistani authorities. He is believed to be the mastermind behind the Abbey Gate bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American military personnel and nearly 170 Afghan civilians.
During a speech at Capitol Hill, President Trump personally disclosed Sharifullah’s arrest, stating, “Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have successfully apprehended the terrorist responsible for that heinous act.” He also extended gratitude to the Pakistani government for its role in facilitating the capture, calling it a commendable effort.
Reassessing US-Pakistan Relations
Reflecting on the past strain in US-Pakistan relations under President Joe Biden, Curtis refuted claims made by Jon Finer, Biden’s former deputy national security advisor, that Pakistan’s nuclear program was a threat to the US. She clarified that Pakistan’s defense priorities are primarily shaped by its historical tensions with India, rather than any hostility toward Washington.
“Pakistan’s nuclear and defense strategy is focused on keeping pace with India’s capabilities, given their history of three wars,” Curtis explained. “This presents a renewed opportunity for the Trump administration to reset relations with Pakistan.”
Having served as senior director for South and Central Asia in Trump’s first administration, Curtis stressed the need for the US to adapt to evolving global dynamics.
Strategic Considerations: China’s Role in the Equation
Curtis pointed out that with no US military presence in Afghanistan, Washington’s primary strategic focus has shifted to competition with China. She warned against allowing Pakistan to become overly dependent on Beijing, as it would not align with US interests.
“The real challenge now is the strategic rivalry with China. It is in the US’s best interest to ensure that Pakistan has alternative alliances rather than becoming solely reliant on China,” she stated.
While large-scale military aid packages similar to those provided post-9/11 are unlikely, Curtis identified economic and technological sectors as potential areas for collaboration between the US and Pakistan.
“Rather than aiming for a formal alliance, both nations can find mutual benefits in sectors like IT, critical minerals, and economic partnerships,” she suggested.
Despite Pakistan’s longstanding relationship with China, Curtis argued that Islamabad seeks balanced diplomatic ties and does not intend to rely exclusively on Beijing.
“Pakistan values its relationship with the US and would prefer a diversified set of alliances rather than full dependence on China,” she noted.
Curtis further emphasized that while Washington does not seek to weaken Pakistan-China relations, it also does not want their ties to deepen to the point where China establishes a military presence in Pakistan.
“The US does not want to see China’s relationship with Pakistan deteriorate, but at the same time, it would be concerning if their ties became so deep that China establishes a military outpost in the region,” she concluded.
