Pakistan Steps Into the Spotlight as a Key Player in Global Counter-Terrorism

For years, Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism has been viewed through a complicated lens. But recent developments show the country carving out a more respected and active role on the international stage.

Praise from U.S. Military Leadership

In a rare acknowledgment, General Michael Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, recently described Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner in counter-terrorism.” Highlighting cooperation that led to the capture and extradition of a key ISIS-K suspect linked to the 2021 Kabul airport attack, Kurilla emphasized how Pakistani authorities acted swiftly and decisively to support U.S. efforts.
Source: Reuters via The Economic Times

Leadership Roles at the United Nations

Pakistan’s growing stature is reflected in its appointment as Vice-Chair of the UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee and Chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed these posts as proof of international trust and confidence in Pakistan’s counter-terrorism initiatives.
Source: Dawn

Concrete Actions on the Home Front

The country’s counter-terrorism strategy is more than just talk. Under the National Action Plan and Anti-Terrorism Act, Pakistan has undertaken sweeping reforms—ranging from regulating religious schools to cracking down on terror financing. Military operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad have targeted militant strongholds, particularly in regions like North Waziristan.
Source: Foreign Office Pakistan via Dawn News

A New Era of Intelligence Sharing

Earlier this year, Pakistan launched the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (NIFTAC). This state-of-the-art facility connects more than 50 federal and provincial agencies to streamline threat detection and response, symbolizing a major upgrade in the country’s counter-terrorism infrastructure.
Source: Wikipedia

The Bigger Picture

Pakistan’s dual role—as a frontline victim of terrorism and an emerging partner in its global fight—creates a complex reality. While the Global Terrorism Index still ranks Pakistan high due to ongoing violence, the country’s growing cooperation and reforms demonstrate a clear shift toward tackling extremism head-on.

Whether these efforts will yield lasting stability remains to be seen, but the international community is now watching Islamabad with renewed interest and, in some quarters, newfound respect.