US Backs Pakistan’s Bold Counterterrorism Efforts to Ensure National Security
The US State Department stated on Wednesday that no nation should have to endure the kind of terrorist attacks that Pakistani citizens have, and it added that Washington and Islamabad have a mutual interest in thwarting threats to regional security.
On Saturday, the federal government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s direction authorized a renewed and intensified countrywide counterterrorism effort. After receiving criticism from the opposition, Operation Azm-i-Istehkam was eventually rebranded as Vision Azm-i-Istehkam. Sharif asserted that the effort reflected the country’s will to eradicate terrorism and extremism.
At a meeting of the Central Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP), all stakeholders—including the four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir—agreed to launch the campaign.
At today’s press briefing, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller responded to a question about the military campaign specifically by saying, “We support Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law and protection of human rights.”
According to him, high-level counterterrorism discussions, substantial money for counterterrorism capacity-building initiatives, and support for a number of military-to-military exchanges between the US and Pakistan are all part of the US collaboration with Pakistan on security matters.
“Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks. No country should have to suffer such acts of terror,” he said.
Deeply concerned by news of lynchings in Madyan
Speaking on the lynching of a man in Madyan for allegedly defiling the Holy Quran, Miller stated that Pakistan was designated as a Country of Particular Concern due to recurring instances and reports of systemic violations.
Inside a police station on Thursday night, a group of people brutally lynched a guy before lighting the station and the suspect’s car on fire.
According to Miller, the State Department frequently held discussions on human rights matters, such as the treatment of religious minorities and religious freedom, with their counterparts in Pakistan.
He said, “We share our condolences to the victim’s family and we wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured in the mob violence,” reiterating that the US was deeply worried about the reports of the lynching.
“Violence or the threat of violence against another person is never an acceptable form of expression, and we oppose blasphemy laws everywhere in the world […] because they jeopardise the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of religion or belief,” he added.
“We continue to urge Pakistani authorities to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all,” he said.
“This includes freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly,” he added.