The counterterrorism collaboration between Pakistan and the United States stands today as a complex but enduring partnership, shaped by two decades of shared strategic interests and mutual security concerns. Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the alliance has weathered periods of friction and recalibration but remains fundamentally rooted in a pragmatic recognition of overlapping threats, particularly from transnational militant networks like Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pakistan remains a critical player in dismantling terror networks operating in and around the Af-Pak region.
The year 2025 has offered a vivid example of the utility and resilience of this partnership. In a coordinated operation that showcased deep intelligence-sharing and trust, Pakistani authorities arrested Sharifullah, a key ISIS-K planner allegedly linked to the deadly Kabul Abbey Gate bombing in 2021 that claimed the lives of 13 American service members. This high-profile arrest, facilitated through U.S. intelligence inputs, was publicly acknowledged and praised by Washington.
The case is emblematic of how critical Pakistan’s role remains in dismantling terror networks operating in and around the Af-Pak region. Such operational successes are not simply tactical victories; they reaffirm the value of bilateral counterterrorism cooperation at a time when regional security remains fluid and insurgent threats continue to evolve.
General Michael Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), aptly described Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in the counterterrorism domain. His remark came not as diplomatic flattery, but in recognition of ground realities, particularly Pakistan’s intensified counter-ISIS operations near the Afghan frontier. His July 2025 visit to Pakistan, during which he was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), signified more than symbolic diplomacy. It underlined the depth of institutional cooperation between the two militaries and signaled continued alignment despite broader geopolitical differences.
Pakistan’s internal counterterrorism architecture has also undergone considerable transformation. The establishment of the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (NIFTAC) reflects Islamabad’s growing emphasis on integrated intelligence and inter-agency coordination. NIFTAC plays a central role in facilitating real-time threat analysis between federal agencies, provincial security actors, and international partners like the United States. This institutional advancement is crucial, not only for Pakistan’s security but also for the effectiveness of joint efforts in targeting cross-border terror networks that exploit the porous borders with Afghanistan.
General Kurilla’s 2025 visit marked a reaffirmation of operational trust between the two militaries.
While the operational dimension is robust, the strategic undercurrents of this relationship require careful calibration. Mutual trust remains a variable rather than a constant, often shaped by broader issues such as regional alliances, drone strikes, and differing threat perceptions. However, both sides have shown pragmatism in compartmentalizing their strategic differences in favor of operational necessity. As Washington recalibrates its regional posture post-withdrawal from Afghanistan and Islamabad grapples with domestic extremism and regional instability, counterterrorism emerges as one of the few areas of durable strategic convergence.
The future of this partnership cannot be taken for granted. Emerging threats such as digital radicalization, transnational financing of terror, and regional power realignments require both sides to continually reassess and innovate their modes of cooperation. Pakistan’s ability to balance its regional engagements, particularly with China, alongside maintaining security ties with the United States will be a delicate exercise in diplomatic navigation. Similarly, for Washington, keeping Pakistan constructively engaged without making counterterrorism the sole lens of the relationship is imperative.
NIFTAC signifies Islamabad’s shift toward integrated, intelligence-led counterterrorism.
As both states confront a rapidly changing threat environment, the logic of partnership remains compelling. Counterterrorism cooperation is not merely about eliminating immediate threats; it is about constructing frameworks of trust, institutional interoperability, and strategic predictability. In this regard, the U.S.-Pakistan relationship stands as a rare example of continuity amidst turbulence. If sustained with transparency, mutual respect, and shared strategic clarity, it can continue to serve as a cornerstone not only for regional stability but for the global counterterrorism architecture.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
