White House official John Kirby clarified that Pakistan has never been a technical l ally of the United States.
“There was no alliance treaty with Pakistan,” Kirby stated during a Washington press briefing in response to inquiries regarding the Biden administration’s actions following Islamabad’s appeal against escalating cross-border terrorism.
Nevertheless, Kirby recognized that the United States has collaborated with Pakistan on numerous occasions to combat terrorism. “Over the past few decades, we have partnered with Pakistan as needed to address the terrorist threat,” he added, referring to ongoing issues along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Kirby further noted that the American authorities are aware that Pakistani civilians continue to suffer from terrorist acts originating from across the border. He affirmed that his administration remains dedicated to cooperating with Pakistan to tackle these shared threats and challenges for as long as they are in office. “This commitment will not change,” he emphasized.
In August 2024, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to prevent groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from using Afghanistan as a base for launching attacks against neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. The following month, spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the U.S. would persist in standing “shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in its battle against terrorism.”
In December, Miller reiterated the U.S.’s steadfast support for Pakistan in combating terrorism and extremism. “We continue to support Pakistan in its efforts against terrorism and violent extremism,” Miller declared at a weekly media briefing in Washington.`
