Prime Minister Sharif, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s key role in combating terrorism in Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan has consistently played a key role in counter-terrorism efforts, working to eliminate safe havens for terrorists and prevent their operations against any country.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to combating terrorism, highlighting the sacrifices of over 80,000 soldiers and civilians in the fight.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan’s leadership and people remain committed to eradicating terrorism and will take all necessary measures to achieve this goal. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with the U.S. to promote regional peace and stability.
Earlier today, U.S. President Donald Trump thanked Pakistan for its role in the arrest of a key terrorist linked to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, which killed 13 American service members and around 170 Afghan civilians.
Addressing a joint session of Congress, Trump announced the arrest, stating:
“Three and a half years ago, a [Daesh] terrorist killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing. Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice.”
Following the announcement of the arrest, Trump expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for its cooperation in the operation.
“I want to thank, especially, the Pakistani government for helping arrest this monster,” he said. “This was a very momentous day for the 13 families I got to know very well, whose children were murdered on that fateful day.”
The Abbey Gate bombing took place in August 2021 during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which Trump once again criticized as a failure of the Biden administration.
“Not that they were withdrawing, but it was the way they withdrew,” Trump said. “Perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country.”
In a notable policy shift, the Trump administration has approved $397 million for the maintenance of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet, overturning a previous foreign aid freeze. The funds are strictly designated for counter-terrorism operations under a U.S.-monitored program to ensure they are not used against India.
Despite an executive order halting overseas funding, the U.S. has granted around $5.3 billion in security-related exemptions, with Pakistan’s allocation being one of 243.
