Latest news with #PakistanCounterterrorismDialogue
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, US vow closer collaboration in fight against terrorism
Listen to article Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their intention to work together closely in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to advance effective and enduring counterterrorism strategies. A joint press statement confirmed that the latest round of the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue took place on Tuesday, where both sides reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The dialogue was co-chaired by Nabeel Munir, Special Secretary for the United Nations, and Gregory D LoGerfo, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the US Department of State. Delegations from both countries underscored the importance of developing effective counterterrorism measures, particularly in relation to groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army, ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). We remain committed to countering terrorism in all its forms. Today, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory LoGerfo and Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker participated in the U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue, advancing our shared resolve to combat this global threat.… — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) August 12, 2025 The US praised Pakistan's continued efforts to contain terrorist groups that threaten both regional and global peace. It also extended condolences for the loss of civilians and law enforcement officers in recent terrorist attacks, including the Jaffar Express bombing and the deadly school bus attack in Khuzdar. Both delegations emphasised the need to build stronger institutional frameworks and enhance capabilities to respond to emerging security challenges, particularly the use of new technologies by terrorist groups. Reaffirming the long-standing partnership between the two nations, both sides agreed that sustained and structured engagement is crucial to countering terrorism and fostering peace and stability in the region. The U.S. Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo, today called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50. The DPM/FM Dar was briefed on the discussions held during the Pakistan- U.S. CT Dialogue. The DPM/FM… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 12, 2025 A day earlier, the US designated the BLA and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO), the State Department issued a statement on its website. The statement further said that the Majeed Brigade has also been added as an alias to BLA's previous Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) listing, which makes it a crime in the US to provide support to the groups. BLA was first designated as an SDGT in 2019 following multiple terrorist attacks. Since then, the group has claimed responsibility for further violent incidents, including attacks carried out by the Majeed Brigade, the statement added. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that today's action underlines the Trump administration's commitment to countering terrorism. 'Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities,' Rubio said.
Hindustan Times
26-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
US, Pakistan consider plans to expand counterterror, critical minerals collaboration
Washington and Islamabad will discuss plans for close counter-terrorism and mining collaborations – particularly in the field of critical minerals – the two countries announced on Friday. This came after a meeting between US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar in Washington. US secretary of state Marco Rubio (R) greets Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar at the department of state on July 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. (AFP) 'Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Secretary Rubio expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued willingness to play a constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran and its commitment to preserving regional stability. The two also discussed prospects for deepening bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, including countering ISIS-K, and the upcoming U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Islamabad this August,' said US state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Also Read | Donald Trump repeats 'five jets' during India-Pakistan conflict claim, Congress reacts 'The Secretary underscored the importance of expanding mutually beneficial bilateral trade and exploring prospects for enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals and mining sectors,' added Bruce. Dar, who has been Pakistan's foreign minister since last year, claimed that Pakistan's mineral reserves were worth an estimated $6-8 trillion during a subsequent public event at the Atlantic Council, a think tank. Dar added that American investors were welcome to explore Pakistan's minerals and natural resources sector. Also Read | Pakistan willing for 'meaningful dialogue' with India: PM Shehbaz Sharif 'We also exchanged views on key regional and global developments. I appreciated the U.S. constructive role in facilitating the recent Pakistan-India ceasefire. We reaffirmed the importance of close coordination at multilateral fora, including at the UN Security Council. With continued dialogue and mutual respect, I am confident we can build a more stable, prosperous, and mutually beneficial future for both our nations,' Dar said about his meeting with Rubio in a statement on X. During an event at the Atlantic Council, Dar called for a longer-term partnership between Islamabad and Washington instead of a 'transactional' relationship. Dar also declared that Pakistan remains ready for a 'composite dialogue' with India. This marked the first in-person meeting between Rubio and Dar since the former took office in January this year. Their meeting also comes after President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Washington DC in June. Dar also defended his country's relationship with China. 'It's a matter of who gives the better deal. We should not be seeing through the lens of another country. It has to be standalone. I did say we have great strategic relations with China but we have a long-lasting friendship with the US all the time,' Dar said. The Pakistani foreign minister went on to say that Islamabad could play the role of a bridge between America and China as the two superpowers navigate bilateral tensions.
