Pakistan says ties with US ‘very important’, sees greater scope for cooperation

Pakistan’s military has underscored the importance of its partnership with Washington, describing the relationship as “very important” while stressing that ties with one country do not come at the expense of others.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry made the remarks in an interview with a foreign journalist, noting that Pakistan sees its partnerships with different global powers as complementary rather than exclusive.

“We don’t think these relationships have anything to do — or there is either-or with other countries,” he said. “At the same time, we have very constructive and strategic relationships with China and other countries.”

The spokesperson also acknowledged Washington’s role in easing tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi earlier this year.

He praised US President Donald Trump’s mediation in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May after a four-day escalation, adding: “Over a period of time, we have been able to enhance and amplify on our convergences (with the US) and deftly managed the divergences.”

Pointing to areas of future engagement, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry said there is significant “scope” for cooperation with the US, particularly in counterterrorism. He also raised concerns over the use of American weapons left behind after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which he said are now being deployed in terrorist activities inside Pakistan - an issue he noted even Washington has expressed concern about.

On Afghanistan, the DG ISPR said there is “credible evidence” of illegal Afghan nationals being involved in terrorism and serious crimes in Pakistan. He recalled that Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghan refugees for four decades and “made elaborate arrangements for the dignified return of Afghan refugees to their country.”

He added that the deadline for their return had been extended several times on humanitarian grounds, but the original reasons for their presence - civil war and foreign interference - no longer exist.

Turning to India, the military spokesperson accused New Delhi of state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, alleging that serving Indian army officers had been involved. “Pakistan has also presented evidence of Indian terrorism to the international community multiple times,” he said.

He further remarked that violent incidents within India are the result of the government’s “increasing extremist policies,” claiming that New Delhi often portrays its internal challenges as external ones.