Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to working closely with the United States to promote regional peace and stability. In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Pakistan’s crucial role in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.
PM Sharif emphasized that Pakistan has always been at the forefront of counter-terrorism efforts, helping to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent attacks targeting any country. He highlighted the sacrifices made by over 80,000 soldiers and civilians in Pakistan’s battle against terrorism, reaffirming the nation’s determination to continue eliminating terrorist threats.
The Prime Minister also noted that Pakistan’s leadership and citizens remain steadfast in their resolve to combat terrorism, and Pakistan will maintain its close collaboration with the US to ensure peace and stability in the region. He specifically thanked President Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s support in recent operations, including the capture of top ISKP commander Shareefullah, involved in high-profile terrorist activities.
Earlier today, President Trump expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for its cooperation in apprehending a key terrorist responsible for the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, an attack that resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members and around 170 Afghan civilians. Trump, speaking before a joint session of Congress, praised Pakistan’s role in bringing the terrorist to justice, marking a significant step in addressing the deadly attack.
Trump also took the opportunity to address the US’s recent shift in policy, approving $397 million in aid for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet maintenance. The funds are specifically designated for counter-terrorism efforts, and a monitoring program will ensure they are not used against India.
Despite the suspension of some foreign aid, the US has granted Pakistan security-related exemptions, with approximately $5.3 billion allocated for such purposes, reaffirming the importance of continued collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
