US President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its role in the arrest of a key terrorist involved in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, an attack that resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Trump announced the apprehension of the terrorist, 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, Trump took a moment to thank 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 occurred in August 2021 during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which Trump criticized as a failure of the Biden administration. “Not that they were withdrawing, but it was the way they withdrew,” he remarked, calling it “perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump on Wednesday for recognizing Pakistan’s contributions to counterterrorism efforts, reaffirming the country’s commitment to combating militancy in the region.
In a post on his official account on X (formerly Twitter), Sharif stated, “We thank US President Donald Trump @POTUS for acknowledging and appreciating Pakistan’s role and support in counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan.”
The Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s longstanding role in the fight against terrorism, highlighting the nation’s efforts to deny safe havens to militant groups. “As is well-known, Pakistan has always played a critical role in counterterrorism efforts aimed at denying safe havens to terrorists and militant groups the space to operate against any other country,” he said.
Sharif also underscored the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the battle against terrorism, noting that over 80,000 soldiers and civilians have lost their lives in this struggle. “We remain steadfast in our resolve and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In this effort, Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices, including the lives of over 80,000 of our brave soldiers and citizens. However, the resolve of our leadership and our people remains unflinching in eradicating the menace of terrorism from our country,” he added.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continued cooperation with the United States in ensuring regional stability. “We will continue to partner closely with the United States in securing regional peace and stability,” he stated.
In a notable policy shift, the Trump administration recently approved $397 million for the maintenance of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet, reversing an earlier freeze on foreign aid. The funds will be strictly allocated for counter-terrorism operations, with a US-monitored program in place to ensure they are not used against India, according to a Reuters report.
Despite an executive order halting overseas funding, the US has granted approximately $5.3 billion in security-related exemptions, with Pakistan’s allocation being one of 243 exceptions.
