Pakistan says arrest of Kabul airport bombing suspect part of counterterrorism collaboration

Pakistan has affirmed that the recent arrest and extradition of Sharifullah, an ISIS-affiliated terrorist, is part of its ongoing counterterrorism collaboration with the United States, not an isolated incident.

The development comes a day after President Donald Trump publicly thanked Pakistan for assisting in the capture of the man accused of orchestrating the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, which killed 13 U.S. service members during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

"Three-and-a-half years ago, ISIS terrorists killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing during the disastrous and incompetent withdrawal from Afghanistan," Trump said.

"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. And I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster."

Sharifullah appeared in a federal court in Virginia earlier in the day following his extradition from Pakistan.

Pakistan-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation

During the Foreign Office's weekly briefing, spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to security collaboration with Washington.

He stressed that Sharifullah’s arrest was conducted in accordance with U.N. resolutions and that legal aspects of his extradition should be clarified by the Ministry of Law.

Khan also underscored that Pakistan and the U.S. maintain strong bilateral relations, with counterterrorism cooperation as a key pillar.

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He noted that the U.S. remains one of Pakistan’s major trading partners and emphasized the continuation of regular diplomatic communications.

FO rejects Afghan claims of ISIS camps

Responding to recent allegations from Afghan officials that ISIS maintains operational bases in Pakistan, Khan dismissed the accusations as “baseless and misleading.”

"Pakistan has always sought peaceful and friendly relations with Afghanistan," he said, while expressing concerns over the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and other terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. He warned that these groups pose serious threats to regional security.

US weapons left in Afghanistan a security risk

Khan also highlighted security concerns regarding U.S. military equipment abandoned in Afghanistan, stating that the presence of these weapons has emboldened militant groups in the region.

“If the United States retrieves these weapons, it could significantly contribute to regional stability,” he said, adding that terrorist factions, including ISIS and TTP, have exploited the situation.

Torkham border tensions

The spokesperson addressed recent tensions at the Torkham border, stating that clashes erupted due to Afghan forces attempting to construct posts in disputed territory.

"Pakistan condemns the unrest at the border and urges the Afghan interim government to take the matter seriously," he said. "We remain committed to resolving border disputes through diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation."

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been shut since Feb. 21, disrupting trade and movement as tensions rise over an attempted construction near the border.

Pakistani security officials said that Afghan forces attempted to build a bunker within 500 meters of the border, which Islamabad deemed unacceptable.

“Such a post poses a direct threat to Pakistan’s security, leading to an exchange of fire between the two sides,” an official said. The gunfire has forced many residents near the border to flee.

In other developments, Khan said that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been actively engaged in diplomatic outreach, including discussions with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The talks reaffirmed Pakistan's counterterrorism cooperation with the U.S.

Additionally, he said, Dar spoke with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where both sides reviewed the UAE Crown Prince’s recent visit to Pakistan and agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Dar is set to attend an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Jeddah, where discussions will focus on the Palestinian crisis and Israel’s actions in Gaza.

"Pakistan will reaffirm its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination," Khan said. He added that Pakistan will highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urge global action against Israeli aggression.

Pakistan also strongly condemned Israeli-imposed restrictions on Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan.

Khan stated that Palestinians should be allowed to worship freely and called the blockade on humanitarian aid “inhumane and unacceptable.”

“The international community must take immediate action against Israel’s oppressive measures,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s position on the Palestinian cause.