Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to countering terrorism in all its forms, following the US decision to designate the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
The announcement, long sought by Islamabad, was accompanied by a joint resolve to strengthen cooperation in combating global terrorism. The designation also adds Majeed Brigade as an alias to BLA, signalling enhanced international coordination against these groups.
According to the US Embassy in Islamabad, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory LoGerfo and Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker participated in the latest US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Special Secretary (UN) Ambassador Nabeel Munir.
Both sides discussed threats posed by groups, including the BLA, Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The US lauded Pakistan’s recent successes against terrorist entities and expressed condolences for victims of recent attacks, including the Jaffar Express bombing and the Khuzdar school bus incident.
The delegations also stressed the importance of stronger institutional frameworks, enhanced capabilities to respond to emerging security challenges, and preventing the use of new technologies for terrorist purposes. They reaffirmed cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to promote lasting counterterrorism strategies.
During the visit, LoGerfo also called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who emphasised the need for sustained and structured engagement between the two nations to ensure regional and global stability.
The latest dialogue follows a series of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and the US, including recent visits by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to Washington and meetings between FM Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both sides have described the renewed engagement as a critical step in advancing counterterrorism, trade, and regional peace efforts.
Related stories:
