US Praises Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts, Expresses Sympathy for Victims

In recent developments, the United States has been increasingly positive in its assessment of Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism. Following a visit by Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, the U.S. expressed its condolences for those who have lost their lives in terrorist activities in Pakistan and commended Pakistan’s actions in controlling terrorist organizations. This was stated in a joint statement released after the Pakistan-U.S. Counter-Terrorism Dialogue held in Islamabad on Tuesday. The joint statement, issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the United States’ appreciation for Pakistan’s consistent success in curbing terrorist organizations that pose a threat to regional and global peace and security. The statement also included the U.S. expressing its sympathies for the victims of terrorist incidents in Pakistan, including the barbaric Jafer Express terrorist attack and a bomb blast on a school bus in Khuzdar. Notably, the U.S. had declared the BLA and its Majid Brigade as terrorist organizations just a day prior to the statement. The BLA has been involved in insurgency against the Pakistani government for years, advocating for an independent state. In 2019, the U.S. designated BLA as an SDGT (Specially Designated Global Terrorist) following several terrorist attacks. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio stated that since 2019, the BLA and its Majid Brigade have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in Pakistan. The joint statement was released after Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s recent visit to Washington, marking his second trip there in recent months, where he met with top U.S. political and military officials.