Muhammad Amir Rana
ISLAMABAD
Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to the United States has drawn unusual attention as it came amid heightened regional tensions following the India-Pakistan standoff and the Iran-Israel conflict. While analysts have highlighted a wide range of possible discussion points during the visit, one crucial dimension that has been largely overlooked is the revitalised joint counterterrorism (CT) mechanism between Pakistan and the US.
Both countries have maintained formal CT cooperation since the 9/11 attacks. This partnership remained intact, except for a brief period of tension after the US raid in Abbottabad in 2011, which killed Osama bin Laden. Under the Biden administration, the scope of cooperation broadened to include enhanced defence collaboration. Last year, American and Pakistani navies conducted a four-day exercise in Karachi.
The most recent CT dialogue between the two countries took place in May last year, where discussions focused on the evolving regional counterterrorism landscape, with particular emphasis on areas of mutual strategic interest. What could these mutual strategic interests be? Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Munir are expected to visit Beijing soon, which may shed further light on how Pakistan and the US are navigating their relationship without jeopardising Pakistan’s close ties with China. In this context, Munir’s visit to Washington is seen as a signal that Pakistan intends to maintain strong ties not only with Beijing but also with Washington.
Another key issue is Afghanistan, which remains central to the CT dialogue between the two countries. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have recently improved at a rapid pace, driven largely by economic opportunities. Crackdowns on Afghan refugees have eased, and the pace of repatriation has slowed. As ties improve, progress on the core issue that has caused friction—militant groups operating from Afghan soil—has become essential. Addressing the presence of armed terrorists in Afghanistan remains a key CT priority for the US.
The US recently praised Pakistan as an “exceptional ally” in the global fight against terrorism, specifically highlighting its role in countering Islamic State-Khorasan. This recognition, which emphasised close collaboration and shared intelligence, underscores Pakistan’s effective use of counterterrorism efforts to gain US support for enhanced defence cooperation.
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As for the Iran-Israel conflict, Pakistan is unlikely to become a party to the dispute and will continue to stand with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in condemning the attacks. Pakistan has long pursued a policy of non-interference in the Middle East and even refrained from sending troops to Saudi Arabia to fight the Houthis.
The current enthusiasm for stronger bilateral relations between the US and Pakistan has triggered optimism within Pakistan that it may result in economic benefits. However, the emerging picture will remain incomplete until Munir’s visit to China.
The author heads the Pak Institute for Peace Studies.