Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured Pakistan’s resolute commitment towards keeping close to the United States to ensure peace and stability at the regional level. He has thanked US President Donald Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s pivotal role against terrorism in Afghanistan.

In a social media platform X (previously Twitter) statement, PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s persistent efforts against counter-terrorism, citing its resolve to deny extremist organizations safe havens and foil their activities against any nation. He mentioned that more than 80,000 Pakistani civilians and soldiers have lost their lives in the struggle against terrorism, solidifying the country’s firm stance against extremist attacks.

“The resolve of our leadership and our people remains unflinching, to eradicate the menace of terrorism from our country. We will continue to partner closely with the United States in securing regional peace and stability,” PM Shehbaz Sharif stated. He reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to work closely with the US to ensure long-term regional peace and security.

Trump Thanks Pakistan for Arrest of Kabul Airport Bomber

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump thanked Pakistan for helping catch a principal terrorist behind the 2021 bombing of Kabul’s airport. The bombing, during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan, killed 13 American troops and around 170 Afghan civilians.

Speaking to a joint session of Congress, Trump declared, “Three and a half years ago, a [Daesh] terrorist killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing. Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice.”

Trump also appreciated Pakistan’s involvement in the operation, stating, “I want to thank, especially, the Pakistani government for helping arrest this monster,” Trump said. “This was a very momentous day for the 13 families I got to know very well, whose children were murdered on that fateful day.”

US Approves $397 Million for Pakistan’s F-16 Maintenance

In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has recently sanctioned $397 million for the upkeep of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet. The move is a reversal of a previous foreign aid freeze and allocates the funds solely for counter-terrorism activities.

As per a Reuters report, a US-monitored program will manage the funding of these monies so they don’t go against India. Even with an executive order suspending foreign funding overseas, the US has given security-related exemptions amounting to around $5.3 billion, the share of Pakistan being one of 243 such releases.

While Pakistan and the US persist with their counter-terrorism and regional stability partnership, both countries rest their assertions on mutual security interests and concerns.