Gen. Kurilla highlights Islamabad’s key role against IS-K, calls for continued US-Pakistan cooperation
WASHINGTON: Commander of the United States Central Command (Centcom), General Michael Kurilla, has praised Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in the fight against terrorism, particularly commending its actions against the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) and other extremist groups.
Testifying before the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, Gen. Kurilla detailed Islamabad’s ongoing counter-terrorism operations along the Afghan border and its success in capturing high-value IS-K operatives, including Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jaffar — a key suspect in the Abbey Gate bombing during the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“Pakistan has gone after ISIS-K, killing dozens of their operatives,” Kurilla told lawmakers. “With limited intelligence from us, they have arrested at least five high-value individuals.”
The Centcom chief revealed that Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, personally informed him of Sharifullah’s arrest and expressed readiness to extradite him to the U.S.
“He called me and said, ‘I’ve caught him. I’m willing to extradite him. Please tell the Secretary of Defense and the President,’” Gen. Kurilla recounted.
Kurilla also pointed out that Pakistan has faced over 1,000 terrorist attacks in its western regions since the start of 2024, describing the country as being in an “active counter-terrorism fight.”
Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Ties
Pakistan and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to joint counter-terrorism efforts during a bilateral dialogue held in Washington on May 10. A follow-up meeting is expected later this month.
In April, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and expressing a desire to deepen cooperation. Secretary Rubio, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s contributions and reaffirmed U.S. interest in continued collaboration.
Bipartisan Approach to South Asia
Gen. Kurilla emphasized that Washington must maintain balanced ties with both Pakistan and India, noting:
“It’s not a binary choice. We need strong relationships with both countries, and each offers strategic value.”
Praise from U.S. Leadership
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump lauded Pakistan’s role in the arrest of Sharifullah during his address to Congress:
“I want to thank especially the Government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster. He is now on his way to face American justice.”
