THE longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States in the realm of defence has once again taken centre stage, with Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir’s maiden visit to the US yielding significant developments. The ISPR, in a statement on Friday, stated that both nations have identified counter-terrorism operations and defence collaboration as pivotal areas of cooperation. Given the recent escalation in terrorist incidents inside Pakistan, the intensified collaboration in matters of security assumes paramount significance.
The history of close defence relations between Pakistan and the US dates back several decades. Over the years, the partnership evolved to encompass various dimensions, including military assistance, intelligence sharing and collaborative counter-terrorism efforts. The emphasis on enhanced defence and counter-terrorism cooperation comes at a critical juncture. In recent weeks Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks. The roots of these challenges are often traced to terrorist sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan. The recent terror attack on security forces in Dera Ismail Khan is believed to be carried out by an Afghan-based terrorist outfit. Pakistan has also genuine concerns that the terrorists are using the weapons left behind by American forces in Afghanistan. Hence, collaborative efforts become imperative to effectively address and eliminate terrorist networks. The joint commitment to counter-terrorism signifies a shared understanding of the challenges posed by terrorism and the importance of a united front in overcoming them. During his meetings in Washington, the Army Chief also highlighted the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives on regional security issues, emphasizing the significance of resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. The resolution of the Kashmir dispute indeed is crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. The kind of clout the US has on India, it indeed can play a role. Apart from security related cooperation, it is also important that both the countries also enhance their economic ties and regular interactions at different levels are essential to achieving this objective.
