- Surge in terrorism can destabilise whole region, warns Malik.
- He says Pakistan needs to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation.
- US acknowledges Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, he adds.
Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik has said that the US administration has not imposed a blanket ban on Pakistani nationals travelling to the US but some travel restrictions may be introduced.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme “Geo Pakistan”, he noted that while US has expressed concerns over the surge in terrorism-related incidents in Pakistan, it has not imposed an outright travel ban on Pakistanis.
He reiterated the nations commitment to strengthening counterterrorism efforts in response to concerns raised by the United States in a recent travel advisory urging American citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to security risks.
Malik emphasised the importance of expanding and improving counterterrorism cooperation, acknowledging that Pakistan must work to improve its security framework in collaboration with international partners.
He highlighted that weapons and ammunition left behind following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan have now been used against Pakistan, exacerbating cross-border terrorism.
He warned that the rising wave of militancy is not just a threat to Pakistan but could destabilise the entire region and impact US interests as well.
Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, he said, have been recognised by President Trump and the US military command, including CENTCOM, which has acknowledged the country’s actions.
Referencing the detention of Daesh commander Mohammad Sharifullah alias Jaffar, accused of 2021 attack on US troops at Kabul airport, he underscored that Pakistani intelligence agencies have demonstrated effectiveness by acting on credible intelligence with remarkable speed, a capability that, he suggested, has outperformed multiple global intelligence agencies.
The minister also rejected longstanding allegations from neighbouring countries accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorism, reiterating that Pakistan itself remains a victim of militant violence. He pointed out that the country has suffered from terrorism for years and continues to bear the brunt of extremist attacks.
