In a changing world order with alliances and security issues taking new turns, the role that Pakistan has been playing in the global war on terror has once again been recognized, this time by the American top leadership which has been appreciative of Islamabad ignoring its continued cooperation in counter-terrorism operations.
“Pakistan was an absolutely phenomenal counter-terrorism partner.” – Gen. Michael Kurilla
U.S. CENTCOM chief General Michael Kurilla described Pakistan as an “absolutely phenomenal counter-terrorism partner,” and FBI official Kash Patel praised Pakistan, stating it helped extradite an ISIS member in Canada. These words, perhaps not common enough in the symphony of geopolitical critique, are a strong reminder of the contribution that Pakistan has made, and indeed still makes, to the maintenance of not just regional but international security.
A great deal of the international community is inclined to recall Pakistan in the framework of blame and suspicion, especially referring to its troublesome neighborhood and the protracted war in Afghanistan. However, this story does not take into consideration the tangible contributions of Pakistan.
The intelligence cooperation between Pakistan is the reason why Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, was arrested. The U.S. and Pakistan have been working together over the years to foil a number of ISIS and Al-Qaeda plots targeting locations far beyond South Asia. In the era of transnational terrorism, which erases the boundaries, such collaboration is difficult to overemphasize.
Over 80,000 civilians and security personnel of Pakistan have been killed in the war against terrorism.
Moreover, Pakistan was favorable in terms of geographical location and logistical facilities in the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Pakistan allowed ground and air supply routes to NATO and U.S. supplies, which were a strategic lifeline, without which, prolonged military action in Afghanistan would have been practically impossible. Intelligence sharing on counter-terror financing and monitoring cross-border threats has not been affected even after the U.S withdrawal. This kind of operational continuity points to the strategic value of Pakistan to Washington, regardless of the political turbulence that might be used to shade bilateral relations.
In the military aspect, Pakistan has done some of the most detailed and risky counter-terror operations in modern history. Actions such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad have systemically destroyed the terrorist sanctuaries in the tribal areas and have reclaimed the extremist networks that had long made the Pakistan borderlands their launching pad to stage attacks regionally and internationally.
These attacks did not come free. Over 80,000 civilians and security personnel of Pakistan have been killed in the war against terrorism. This does not remain a figure, but it is a statement of how profound the sacrifices of Pakistan have been, something that its critics rarely talk about.
In addition to kinetic efforts, Pakistan has made efforts to counter extremism by using soft power. A more holistic approach is suggested by de-radicalization programs, involvement of communities, and madrassa education system reforms. These efforts have been challenged by the lack of resources and their implementation, but they indicate that there has been an acknowledgment by the security establishment in Pakistan that counter-terrorism cannot be done using bullets and airstrikes alone. It should also entail narratives, rehabilitation, and prevention. Such a strategy has given credence to the role of Pakistan as a security player, but also a regional investor in long-term peacebuilding efforts that are long-term.
Counter-terrorism cannot be done using bullets and airstrikes alone; it should also entail narratives, rehabilitation, and prevention.
The sustenance of military-to-military relations between Pakistan and the U.S., especially by CENTCOM, is also key in this dynamic security relationship. Frequent combined training, sharing of intelligence, and coordination in the region security assessment mean that the counter-terrorism framework between both nations is resilient and dynamic. While strategic divergences exist, especially regarding policy on Afghanistan and China, counter-terrorism remains one area where U.S.-Pakistan alignment is operationally sound and mutually beneficial.
In a world that is getting multipolar, the validation that comes out of Washington is not just symbolic, but strategic. It reinstates the fact that even after differences over policy or narratives, the United States continues to see Pakistan as a key counter-terrorism ally.
In the case of Pakistan, this kind of recognition gives it more credibility internationally and affirms the validity of its long and painful war against extremism. With the ever-changing shape of threats and emergence of new battlefields, it has become more important than ever to keep this partnership alive and flourishing not only in the bilateral interest but also in the larger interests of global security.
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.
