On June 11, 2025, US Central Command (Centcom) Commander General Michael Kurilla lauded Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counter-terrorism, highlighting its efforts against groups like Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The praise, delivered during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, underscores a strengthening US-Pakistan security partnership. This article explores the collaboration, key achievements, and future dialogues planned for 2025.
General Kurilla emphasised Pakistan’s proactive measures, including the arrest of five high-value IS-K operatives with US intelligence support. Notably, Pakistan extradited Mohammad Sharifullah, a key figure in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing, to the US. Kurilla recounted a call from Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, confirming the arrest and willingness to extradite. These actions have disrupted IS-K operations, with Pakistan killing dozens of its members in 2025.
U.S. CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla Hails Pakistan as 'Phenomenal Partner' in Fight Against ISIS-K 🔺🔺🔺
▪️At a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) on Tuesday, General Michael Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), praised… pic.twitter.com/UTy8BcLFQp
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) June 11, 2025“Pakistan has been a phenomenal partner in the counter-terrorism world,” Kurilla stated, noting over 1,000 terrorist attacks in western Pakistan since January 2025.
US-Pakistan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue
The US and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to counter-terrorism during a May 10, 2025, dialogue in Washington, focusing on threats from TTP and IS-K. Another dialogue is scheduled for later this month, signalling ongoing collaboration. In April, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed deepening ties, with Rubio praising Pakistan’s efforts from 2013 to 2018. President Donald Trump also commended Pakistan in a March 2025 address to Congress for Sharifullah’s arrest.
#BreakingNews | General Michael Kurilla, Head of U.S. Central Command, praises Pakistan as a key counter-terrorism ally for U.S.@kartha_tara, Ex NSCS Director joins conversation@akankshaswarups | @siddhantvm #India #US #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/njeoER85Cc
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 11, 2025Kurilla stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with both Pakistan and India, rejecting the notion of choosing one over the other. “We should look at the merits of the relationship for the positives it has,” he said, advocating for a balanced approach to enhance regional security. This stance reflects the US’s strategic interest in countering terrorism while fostering South Asian stability.
Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts are critical amid rising violence, particularly in Balochistan and along the Afghan border. The country’s collaboration with the US, including intelligence sharing, has yielded tangible results, as evidenced by IS-K arrests.
General Michael Kurilla’s praise on June 11, 2025, highlights Pakistan’s pivotal role in counter-terrorism, strengthened by arrests of IS-K operatives and US-Pakistan dialogues. As both nations plan further cooperation, Pakistan’s efforts against groups like TTP and IS-K underscore its commitment to regional and global security. The partnership, rooted in mutual interests, sets the stage for continued collaboration in 2025.
