Pakistan is seeking a broad and long-term partnership with the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said during a call with US National Security Adviser (NSA) Michael Waltz.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister Dar received the call on March 4, during which Waltz conveyed Trump’s appreciation for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. The conversation took place shortly after Trump announced the arrest of the Daesh operative responsible for the 2021 Kabul airport attack.
The suicide bombing, which occurred during the US military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, resulted in the deaths of 170 Afghans and 13 American troops. In his first address to Congress since returning to office, Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s role in apprehending the suspect behind the attack.
During the discussion, Dar congratulated Waltz on assuming office and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Washington. He emphasized ongoing cooperation in counterterrorism and praised Trump’s decision to remove US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan.
Both sides reaffirmed their intent to expand collaboration in information technology, energy, and mineral development. Additionally, they agreed to continue dialogue on trade, investment, climate change, and healthcare as part of a broader bilateral agenda.
Arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah
Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, is a senior leader of the Daesh Khorasan faction in Afghanistan. The United States has charged him with providing material support to a designated terrorist organization, resulting in fatalities.
The US Department of Justice stated that Sharifullah admitted to helping plan the Kabul airport bombing, including scouting routes for the attacker. He also acknowledged involvement in other attacks, including the March 2024 Moscow Crocus City Hall attack, where he provided instructions on using firearms.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi described Sharifullah as the mastermind behind the Kabul bombing that killed 13 American service members.
During his congressional speech, Trump criticized former President Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and thanked Pakistan for assisting in Sharifullah’s arrest.
Pakistan’s Strategic Position
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Trump’s recognition of Pakistan’s counterterrorism contributions, affirming continued collaboration with the US for regional peace and stability.
Following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan’s strategic importance has shifted, with growing concerns over security threats along its border. Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring militants who launch cross-border attacks.
Daesh’s Kabul faction has claimed responsibility for multiple deadly attacks, including a bombing in Iran last year that killed over 90 people.
Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at The Wilson Center, noted that Pakistan is leveraging US security concerns in Afghanistan to reinforce its strategic partnership with Washington.
