WASHINGTON: The United States and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment on Monday to a partnership aimed at countering the threat posed by outlawed TTP, ISIS-Khorasan and other terrorist groups operating in the region.

Issuing a joint statement simultaneously in Washington and Islamabad, the two nations emphasized their recognition that this partnership would advance security in the region and serve as a model of bilateral and regional cooperation to address transnational terrorism threats.

The statement followed the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Washington on May 10, where discussions underscored cooperation in addressing pressing challenges to regional and global security, including Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-Khorasan.

Senior officials from both countries emphasized the importance of expanded counterterrorism collaboration and capacity building, focusing on mutual interests in the counterterrorism landscape of the region.

The dialogue highlighted the shared commitment to combating terrorism and reaffirmed their determination to contribute to both regional and global security and stability.

Both governments resolved to increase communication on their counterterrorism efforts and to continue collaboration to detect and deter violent extremism through whole-of-government approaches.

The statement underlined the importance of international collaboration in the fight against terrorism and reiterated the commitment to launching joint endeavors to address this threat.

Pakistan and the United States also emphasized their aim to serve as a model of bilateral and regional cooperation in addressing the complex challenges posed by terrorism, ensuring a safer and more secure world for all.

Since the last US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in March 2023, the United States has assisted Pakistan in training more than 300 police and frontline responders. The dialogue also strengthened multilateral engagement between the two countries in the United Nations and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2024