Pakistan has consistently played a pivotal role as a frontline partner of the United States (US) in the global fight against terrorism through unparalleled cooperation and immense sacrifices. Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Pakistan emerged as a key ally in the US-led War on Terror (WOT), providing logistical, intelligence, and operational support and dismantling numerous terrorist networks operating in the region. Thus, Pakistan became a crucial partner of the US in counter-terrorism efforts as it provided naval and air force bases to the US military. Intelligence sharing between the two countries was vital in disrupting major terrorist plots and capturing high-profile Al-Qaeda operatives.
Pakistan’s armed forces have conducted large-scale military operations, such as Operation Zarb-e-Azab, Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, and Azm-e-Istehkam, which targeted terrorist sanctuaries and significantly degraded the operational capabilities of extremist organizations like Al-Qaeda and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In these efforts, Pakistan has lost over 80,000 lives, including civilians and security personnel, and has sustained economic losses exceeding $150 billion, reflecting the immense sacrifices made for global peace and stability. Pakistan deployed over seventy thousand troops along the Afghan border and conducted major operations to counter terrorism as part of its broader counterinsurgency policies. As Christine Fair highlighted in her book, The Counter-Coalitions: Cooperation with Pakistan and India, US officials acknowledge that “Pakistan has provided more support, captured more terrorists, and committed more troops than any other nation in the Global Counterterrorism Force (GCTF).”
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with the US in counter-terrorism efforts. On March 4, US President Donald Trump, in his address to Congress, praised Pakistan for facilitating the capture of Mohammad Sharifullah, the mastermind behind the Kabul airport bombing. Sharifullah was involved in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing, which killed 170 Afghans and over a dozen US servicemen, and the 2024 Moscow concert hall attack. This cooperation underscores the shared threat posed by IS-K and TTP to both countries. Pakistan has also endorsed the US plan to recover military equipment left behind in Afghanistan, citing concerns about its potential use by terrorist groups.
Despite geopolitical complexities, Pakistan has remained committed to counter-terrorism. Actions such as relentless crackdowns on terrorist financing and facilitating the Afghan peace process underscore Pakistan’s dedication to combating terrorism and fostering regional stability. Collaborative initiatives like the Coalition Support Fund and bilateral security assistance programs highlight the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the US. Pakistan’s active role in fostering regional security continues to be a cornerstone of its partnership with the US. This is demonstrated through Pakistan’s involvement in the Doha Peace Accord, which facilitated peace talks between the US and the Taliban, and the Counterterrorism Dialogue held on 10 May 2024, in Washington, DC, aimed at enhancing regional security. Both states cooperate to combat groups like IS-K, TTP, and other terrorist organizations.
The US has recognized Pakistan’s efforts, emphasizing trust in Pakistan’s support to address evolving security threats. High-level diplomatic and military engagements reflect the ongoing commitment of both states to strengthen their counter-terrorism collaboration. Strengthening Pak-US counter-terrorism cooperation is crucial to stabilizing Afghanistan and addressing regional security threats. Improved relations can be achieved through a shared commitment to advancing their alliance with a collaborative framework and mutual interests. Pakistan’s sacrifices and contributions have cemented its role as a frontline ally of the US. The enduring trust and shared objectives of this partnership ensure that it will remain a vital pillar of global counter-terrorism efforts in the years to come.