Counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the United States has a long history. That cooperation remains strong, as highlighted by Pakistan’s recent capture of Mohammad Sharifullah, an Islamic State Khorasan Province terrorist wanted for planning the August 2021 suicide bombing attack at Kabul airport in Afghanistan.
The Pakistan military captured Sharifullah in a February 2025 operation along the border with Afghanistan after receiving an intelligence tip on his location from the U.S. and extradited him to face criminal charges.
In March 2025, the terrorist was charged in U.S. Federal Court with helping to plan the attack at the Abbey Gate entrance of Kabul airport. Sharifullah’s arrest highlights the continued cooperation on counterterrorism and security issues between Pakistan and the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the terrorist’s capture during the annual State of the Union address and thanked the government of Pakistan for bringing the terrorist to justice. U.S. Central Command also thanked Pakistan publicly, emphasizing the two countries’ “common interest in the war on terrorism.”
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded in kind: “We will continue to partner closely with the United States in securing regional peace and stability.”
Sources: Eurasia Review, Business Recorder, Voice of America