Pakistan is looking to build a long-term and broad-based relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed this commitment during a phone conversation with US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz on March 4.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Deputy PM Dar received a call from Waltz on Tuesday. The US official conveyed President Trump’s appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts in countering terrorism. The conversation came just hours after Trump revealed that a Daesh operative responsible for the 2021 Kabul airport attack had been arrested.
The devastating suicide bombing at the airport had killed 170 Afghans and 13 US military personnel. The attack took place during the chaotic withdrawal of US forces, days after the Taliban took control of Kabul. In his first speech to Congress since returning to office, Trump credited Pakistan for assisting in capturing the key suspect behind the deadly explosion.
The Foreign Office stated that Dar congratulated Waltz on assuming office. He emphasized Pakistan’s desire to strengthen Pakistan-US relations and work closely with the new administration. He also reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and acknowledged Trump’s decision to retrieve military equipment left behind in Afghanistan.
Beyond security cooperation, both sides discussed enhancing ties in IT, energy, and minerals. They also agreed to continue dialogue on trade, investment, climate change, and health in the coming days.
Who is Mohammad Sharifullah?
Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, is a senior leader of Daesh’s Khorasan branch in Afghanistan. US authorities have charged him with providing support to a designated terrorist organization, resulting in fatalities.
According to the US Justice Department, Sharifullah admitted to FBI agents that he played a role in planning the Kabul airport attack. He scouted routes near the airport for the suicide bomber. Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled him an “evil ISIS-K terrorist” and said he was directly responsible for the deaths of 13 US Marines.
The Justice Department further revealed that Sharifullah was involved in other high-profile attacks. He allegedly provided instructions on using assault rifles and other weapons to attackers involved in the March 2024 Moscow Crocus City Hall attack.
During his speech on Tuesday, Trump sharply criticized former President Joe Biden for his handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. He called the operation “disastrous and incompetent” while thanking Pakistan for its role in capturing Sharifullah.
Pakistan’s Role in Regional Security
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Trump’s recognition of Pakistan’s counterterrorism contributions. He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to working with Washington to maintain regional peace and stability.
Pakistan’s strategic position has shifted since the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Violence in border regions has surged, with tensions rising between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of harboring militants who launch attacks across the border.
Daesh’s Kabul chapter has claimed responsibility for several deadly assaults in Afghanistan. The group has also carried out high-casualty attacks internationally, including a bombing in Iran that killed over 90 people last year.
South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman noted that Islamabad is leveraging US concerns over Afghan-based terror networks to promote a renewed security partnership. He stated that Pakistan’s role in capturing the Kabul airport attack plotter should be viewed within this context.
