US General Commends Pakistan as Counter-Terrorism Ally Amid Criticism

In a controversial statement before a Congressional panel, General Michael Kurilla, the head of the United States Central Command (Centcom), praised Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner" in counter-terrorism efforts, despite acknowledging the country's complex role in global terrorism. This testimony, delivered on June 11, 2025, raised eyebrows as it coincided with revelations of a Pakistani national's involvement in a foiled terrorist plot in New York, underscoring the paradoxical nature of U.S.-Pakistan relations in the fight against terrorism.

General Kurilla's remarks highlighted the cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan, particularly emphasizing the actions of Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, who was credited for cooperating with U.S. authorities by extraditing terrorists linked to attacks on American assets. Kurilla recounted a specific instance where Munir personally informed him about the capture of Mohammad Sharifullah, the mastermind behind the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members. "The first person [Munir] called was me and said, ‘I’ve caught him, I’m willing to extradite him back to the U.S.,’" Kurilla stated during his testimony.

While Kurilla's endorsement of Pakistan's military efforts in counter-terrorism was intended to showcase the country's reliability as an ally, it raised significant concerns regarding Pakistan's selective approach to terrorism. The U.S. has often criticized Islamabad for its failure to act against groups targeting India, leading to accusations of a double standard in U.S. foreign policy. Members of an Indian parliamentary committee, who recently visited Washington, articulated their frustration, noting that many terrorists behind attacks on the U.S. have found refuge in Pakistan. As one committee member expressed, "They don’t go to Iran or Iraq or Syria... they go back to the motherlode of terrorism, Pakistan."

The backdrop to Kurilla's testimony includes a recent extradition of a Pakistani citizen, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, linked to a 2024 terror plot targeting a Jewish center in Brooklyn, timed to coincide with the anniversary of Hamas's attacks. This event further complicates the narrative of Pakistan as a counter-terrorism ally, particularly in the eyes of critics who argue that the U.S. should hold Pakistan accountable for its role in fostering terrorism.

Contrasting Kurilla's praise, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi focused instead on broader threats posed by groups like ISIS, stating, "It remains a clear and present danger to the American people, especially our Jewish citizens."

The duality in U.S. policy reflects a strategic balancing act, as the U.S. continues to rely on Pakistan for intelligence and cooperation against specific threats while facing domestic and international pressure to address the underlying issues of terrorism emanating from the region. The implications of this relationship are profound, impacting not only U.S.-Pakistan relations but also the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.

As the U.S. navigates its counter-terrorism strategy, the divergent paths of cooperation and criticism are likely to persist, with the potential for future escalations in both rhetoric and action regarding Pakistan's role in global terrorism. This ongoing discourse will require careful examination and a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in U.S. foreign policy and counter-terrorism efforts.