The U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue, co-chaired by Department of State Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Elizabeth Richard and Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary for the UN and OIC Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, took place on Friday. The dialogue highlights the collaborative efforts between the two countries in addressing significant challenges to regional and global security, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-Khorasan. Discussions centered on the counterterrorism landscape in the region, emphasizing mutual interests. Both U.S. and Pakistani senior officials stressed the importance of expanding counterterrorism cooperation and capacity building, encompassing exchanges of technical expertise, best practices, investigative and prosecutorial assistance, border security infrastructure and training. Notably, the United States has provided training to over 300 police and frontline responders since the last U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in March 2023. Additionally, there’s an emphasis on strengthening multilateral engagement through platforms such as the UN and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
The partnership between the United States and Pakistan in countering ISIS-Khorasan, TTP, and other terrorist organizations is recognized as crucial for regional security. Both governments have pledged to enhance communication and continue collaborative efforts to detect and deter violent extremism through comprehensive approaches. The Counterterrorism Dialogue reaffirms the shared determination of the United States and Pakistan to contribute to both regional and global security and stability.
