Global Rice News

Pakistan and the United States have reiterated their commitment to cooperation in countering terrorism in order to promote regional and global security and stability. In a joint statement released today, the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue held on May 10 highlighted the collaboration between the two countries in addressing the most critical challenges to security, including the threats posed by terrorist organizations such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K).

The dialogue focused on the counterterrorism landscape in the region and emphasized areas of mutual interest. Both US and Pakistani officials stressed the significance of expanding counterterrorism cooperation and capacity building. This includes exchanging technical expertise and best practices, providing assistance in investigations and prosecutions, enhancing border security infrastructure and training, and strengthening multilateral engagement, such as in the United Nations and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

As a testament to their commitment, the United States has trained over 300 police and frontline responders since the previous US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in March 2023. The joint statement also highlighted that a partnership to counter IS-K, TTP, and other terrorist organizations would not only enhance security in the region but also serve as a model of bilateral and regional cooperation in addressing transnational terrorism threats.

Both governments have pledged to enhance communication on these critical issues and maintain collaboration in detecting and deterring violent extremism through comprehensive approaches involving all sectors of government.

It is worth mentioning that the previous meeting between the two sides occurred in March last year, during which they reaffirmed their dedication to dealing with the shared threat of terrorism.

In recent times, Pakistan has experienced an increase in terrorist activities, particularly in KP and Balochistan, after the TTP terminated its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, a security report for 2023 reveals that Pakistan encountered 1,524 fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. These figures mark a six-year high in violence-related incidents.

KP and Balochistan have been the focal points of violence, accounting for more than 90% of all fatalities and 84% of attacks, including both acts of terrorism and security forces’ operations.

Source: Dawn.com