The recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, particularly at mosques, have spurred a collaborative effort between Washington and Islamabad to address the challenge of militancy, according to analysts. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir held a significant call, reflecting the grave security situation in Pakistan. The US has expressed its support for Pakistan after these attacks, which claimed the lives of nearly 60 people in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
While a US statement on the call mentioned that they discussed areas of mutual interest and recent regional developments, this discussion follows Pakistan’s renewal of a 15-year security cooperation agreement in August, initially signed during the height of the US-led war in Afghanistan. The agreement had been dormant since 2020 and was renewed as Pakistan faces security threats from its neighbor and deals with its own faction of the Taliban. Islamabad’s relationship with the new Taliban regime in Kabul is also strained, with accusations of harboring militants and border clashes between both sides.
Security cooperation between the two allies dates back to 1954 and has included the US renewing maintenance contracts for Pakistan’s nearly 100-strong fleet of F-16 fighter jets. However, the alliance has experienced strain, particularly during the US-led war on Al Qaeda in 2001 and the Afghanistan invasion, when Washington criticized Pakistan for not doing enough to control militants within its borders. In return, Pakistan accused the US of carelessness in launching drone strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties.
Rustam Shah Mohmand, a former Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan and regional politics observer, highlighted the tendency of the US to support Pakistan when their interests align but to prioritize its national interests when differences emerge. He noted that while both the US and India oppose China’s influence in international politics, the US continues to support Pakistan as a superpower to maintain regional backing. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s commitment to its alliance with China, primarily due to their shared border and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project.
The revival of the threat posed by ISIS, which has increased attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan, was recognized. ISIS has expanded its presence to regions of instability, including Africa’s Sahel region, after losing ground in the Middle East. Pakistan is seen as the movement’s next significant battleground.
Analyst Sarfraz Khan pointed out the US’s previous support for Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, including the US coalition’s support fund. He noted that Pakistan has not completely eradicated terrorists in military operations. Khan suggested that the US might tacitly support the Afghan Taliban to counter Chinese influence in the region, as China invests in Afghanistan, primarily in long-term mining projects.
As Pakistan grapples with rising terrorist activities following the termination of a ceasefire agreement with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, it has set a November 1 deadline for undocumented Afghan migrants to leave the country. Notably, the US has committed to working with Pakistan to develop strategies for countering violent extremism.
Last month, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West identified the TTP as the most significant threat to regional stability, emphasizing Pakistan’s role as a strategic partner in achieving US objectives in Afghanistan.
Source: with agencies