Pakistan, US Enhance Cooperation Against Major Militant Groups

Islamabad, Aug 13 (PTI) — Pakistan and the United States have agreed to enhance their bilateral cooperation to address major militant groups including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), ISIS-Khorasan, and the Taliban. This development occurred during their bilateral counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad on Tuesday, just a day after the US classified the Pakistan-based BLA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

The dialogue was jointly led by Nabeel Munir, Pakistan’s Special Secretary for the UN, and Gregory D. LoGerfo, the Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the US Department of State. According to a joint statement released post-meeting, the two nations reaffirmed their mutual dedication to combatting terrorism in "all its forms and manifestations".

The statement highlighted that both delegations emphasized the critical importance of developing effective strategies to counter terrorist threats, including those posed by the Balochistan Liberation Army, ISIS-Khorasan, and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. They reiterated the "long-standing partnership" between Pakistan and the US and stressed that "sustained and structured engagement" is crucial to combating terrorism and fostering peace and stability.

The US praised Pakistan for its "continued successes in containing terrorist entities that threaten regional and global peace and security". Both delegations underscored the significance of building stronger institutional frameworks and enhancing capabilities to respond to security challenges and counter the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.

Additionally, they reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate closely in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to "promote effective and enduring approaches to counterterrorism". The BLA was blacklisted in 2019 following a series of lethal attacks in Pakistan but has persisted in its terrorist activities, even claiming responsibility for the hijacking of the Jaffar Express this year. Pakistan has accused India of allegedly supporting the BLA.

Relations between Pakistan and the US have significantly improved in recent months, as evidenced by consecutive visits by Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to the US and engagements with high-profile figures, including with President Donald Trump.

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