US Holds Counterterrorism Dialogue With Pakistan Despite Ongoing Concerns

The United States and Pakistan held a counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad on Tuesday, during which both countries reaffirmed their ‘shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations’, according to their joint statement.

The US applauded Pakistan’s ‘continued successes in containing terrorist entities that pose a threat to the peace and security of the region and the world’.

The statement specifically named three terrorist groups: the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

However, the statement did not mention at least five other organisations and their affiliates listed by the US government as terrorist groups based in Pakistan.

These include Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaysh al-Adl/Jundallah, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, as well as affiliates such as The Resistance Front, which carried out the Pahalgam massacre in April.

The dialogue is part of an annual process that predates the current US administration, with similar talks held since at least 2023 under President Joe Biden.

This continuity highlights the persistent need for dialogue despite changes in leadership and diplomatic relations.

US State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory LoGerfo and Pakistan’s special secretary for the United Nations, Nabeel Munir, co-chaired the session.

During the discussions, they emphasised the importance of ‘sustained and structured engagement’ to counter terrorism and promote peace and stability in the region.

Recent Developments & Sanctions

On the eve of the dialogue, the US designated the BLA and its affiliate, the Mujaheed Brigade (TMB), as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.

This designation imposes sanctions on these groups and their leaders.

The US also expressed condolences for recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the April hijacking of the Jaffar Express train by the BLA, which resulted in 31 civilian and security personnel deaths.

Additionally, the Pakistan government attributed the May suicide bombing of a school bus in Khuzdar to the BLA, which killed ten civilians, including eight students.

The joint statement highlighted the need to ‘build stronger institutional frameworks’ and develop capabilities to address security challenges. This includes countering the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.

Cooperation in international organisations such as the United Nations, where Pakistan is an elected Security Council member, was also underscored.

While the dialogue praised Pakistan’s efforts against certain groups, the omission of other listed terrorist organisations underscores the complex nature of US-Pakistan security cooperation. The talks aim to balance diplomatic engagement with addressing concerns over Pakistan’s role in harbouring militant groups.

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