Amid escalating tensions and security concerns between Kabul and Islamabad, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a significant agreement with the United States aimed at jointly combating terrorism, specifically targeting ISIS and Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Kabul 24: The agreement, reached after extensive discussions between delegations from both nations, emphasizes a commitment to enhancing communication and collaboration to detect and prevent violent extremism through comprehensive government strategies.
The Counterterrorism Dialogue underscores the shared determination of Pakistan and the United States to bolster regional and global security and stability.
Regional Dynamics and Allegations
While the official statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not explicitly mention Afghanistan, Pakistan consistently asserts that the TTP operates from Afghan territory with support from the Islamic Emirate. In contrast, the Islamic Emirate refutes these claims and accuses Pakistan of harboring ISIS militants who pose a threat to Afghanistan.
Targeted Groups and the Need for Multilateral Cooperation
The focus of the agreement lies on combating ISIS and TTP, identified as significant threats by both Pakistan and the United States.
However, experts in Afghanistan stress the necessity of multilateral cooperation and coordination with the de-facto government in Afghanistan to effectively address these extremist groups.
Expert Insights and Recommendations
Security analyst Sadeq Shinwari highlights the regional threat posed by ISIS and TTP, emphasizing that a unilateral agreement between the U.S.
and Pakistan may not suffice in controlling these groups. Similarly, analyst Aziz Stanekzai advocates for the sharing of intelligence resources between the U.S., Pakistan, and Afghanistan to combat the destructive groups operating across borders.
In conclusion, while the agreement between Pakistan and the United States marks a significant step in the fight against terrorism, experts stress the importance of broader regional cooperation and intelligence sharing to effectively address the complex challenges posed by extremist groups in the region.
