ISLAMABAD: The United States and Pakistan on Tuesday reaffirmed their shared commitment to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations during a high-level counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad, held a day after Washington designated the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its faction, Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Special Secretary Foreign Office for the United Nations desk, Nabeel Munir and US Department of State Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory D. LoGerfo, according to a joint statement.
Both sides underscored the critical importance of developing effective approaches to terrorist threats, including those posed by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The United States applauded Pakistan’s continued successes in containing terrorist entities that pose a threat to the peace and security of the region and the world.
Furthermore, the United States expressed condolences for the loss of civilians and members of law enforcement agencies in terrorist incidents in Pakistan, including the barbaric Jaffar Express terrorist attack and the bombing of a school bus in Khuzdar.
Both delegations emphasised the importance of building stronger institutional frameworks and developing capabilities to respond to security challenges and to counter the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
Both sides reaffirmed their intention to work closely in multilateral fora, including the United Nations, to promote effective and enduring approaches to counterterrorism.
Reaffirming the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and the United States, both sides emphasised that sustained and structured engagement remains vital to countering terrorism and promoting peace and stability.
Bilateral cooperation
According to a statement from the US Embassy on Tuesday, the talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to address a “global threat.”
The meeting took place just a day after the United States toughened its stance against the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), reclassifying it from a “specially designated global terrorist” group to a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, following a series of deadly attacks claimed by the group.
We remain committed to countering terrorism in all its forms. Today, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory LoGerfo and Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker participated in the U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue, advancing our shared resolve to combat this global threat.… pic.twitter.com/18L4KQB6xl
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) August 12, 2025
The dialogue highlights the deepening cooperation between the two countries. Earlier this year, Pakistan extradited Sharifullah, also known as Jafar — a member of Daesh-K — who was involved in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 American troops and more than 170 Afghans. US President Donald Trump publicly thanked Pakistan for its role in the arrest.
The US State Department has reaffirmed that collaboration with Pakistan remains vital in the ongoing global fight against terrorism.
Earlier, Pakistan welcomed the US decision to designate the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organisations, also adding the Majeed Brigade as an alias to the BLA.
“Pakistan had proscribed the Majeed Brigade as a terrorist entity since 18 July 2024. BLA/Majeed Brigade is involved in multiple terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the heinous Jaffer Express terrorist incident and Khuzdar bus attack that resulted in the loss of precious lives,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement.
He said Pakistan remains unwavering in its resolve to protect its citizens and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. “We remain committed to cooperating with the international community to overcome this common challenge.”
US delegation calls on Deputy PM
The US Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo, also called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
According to a Foreign Ministry statement, Dar was briefed on the discussions held during the Pakistan-US Counter Terrorism Dialogue.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar encouraged sustained and structured bilateral engagement on counter-terrorism between both countries, as a vital contributor to peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The U.S. Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo, today called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.
The DPM/FM Dar was briefed on the discussions held during the Pakistan- U.S. CT Dialogue.
The DPM/FM… pic.twitter.com/4zIxkdLaNV
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 12, 2025
