Islamabad: The United States has lauded Pakistan’s efforts to curb terrorism, as the two countries held the latest round of counterterrorism talks in Islamabad on August 12. In a joint statement, the US State Department "applauded Pakistan’s continued successes in containing terrorist entities that pose a threat to the peace and security of the region and the world."  The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Special Secretary for the United Nations, Nabeel Munir, and US Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory D LoGerfo. 

The statement said both sides discussed the “critical importance” of developing effective strategies to tackle threats from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). It also announced it will designate the separatist militant group BLA as a foreign terrorist organisation. The move comes amid renewed efforts to address militancy in Balochistan and the wider region.

Washington expressed condolences for the loss of civilians and law enforcement personnel in recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the Jaffar Express attack and the bombing of a school bus in Khuzdar.

Both sides stressed the need to strengthen institutional frameworks, enhance counterterrorism capabilities, and address the misuse of emerging technologies by terrorist groups. They also pledged to work closely in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to promote lasting counterterrorism strategies. Reaffirming their long-standing partnership, Islamabad and Washington agreed that sustained, structured engagement is key to combating terrorism and ensuring regional peace and stability.