CENTCOM Chief Hails Pakistan as “Exceptional Partner” in Counterterrorism Efforts

Washington D.C:U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael Kurilla has praised Pakistan as an “exceptional partner” in counterterrorism operations, particularly commending its actions against terrorist groups in Balochistan and its efforts to neutralize ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) operatives.
Speaking before the U.S. House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, General Kurilla acknowledged Pakistan’s success in capturing key ISIS-K leaders along the Afghan border and eliminating dozens of militants. He made specific mention of **Mohammad Sharifullah alias Jafar**, the mastermind behind the deadly **Abbey Gate attack at Kabul Airport**. Kurilla noted that after Sharifullah’s arrest, **Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir personally informed him via phone**, saying, *”We have him in custody, and we’re ready to hand him over to the U.S. Please notify the Secretary of Defense and the President.”*

General Kurilla stated that Pakistan has been acting on limited U.S. intelligence by deploying its own resources to take effective action. “These operations are having a tangible impact on ISIS-K’s capabilities,” he emphasized.
He also highlighted that since the start of 2024, Pakistan’s western regions have witnessed **over 1,000 terrorist attacks**, underlining that the country is currently engaged in an “active counterterrorism war.”
Earlier, on **May 10**, high-level counterterrorism talks were held in Washington between Pakistan and the United States, reaffirming continued cooperation against threats like the **Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)** and **ISIS-K**. Another bilateral consultation on counterterrorism is expected later this month.
Addressing broader U.S. regional strategy, General Kurilla stressed the importance of **balanced relations with both Pakistan and India**, stating: *“It is not feasible to maintain relations with India while ignoring Pakistan. We must focus on the positive aspects of our partnerships with both nations.”*
In April, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister **Ishaq Dar** held a first phone call with U.S. Senator **Marco Rubio**, during which they agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation across several sectors, including counterterrorism. Dar highlighted Pakistan’s CT efforts between 2013 and 2018, while Rubio welcomed deeper collaboration.
Back in March, former U.S. President **Donald Trump**, in an address to Congress, publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s role in capturing Sharifullah. *“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have apprehended the mastermind of the Kabul Airport attack, and he will face justice in the United States. I want to thank the Government of Pakistan for playing a vital role in this operation,”* Trump said.