Islamabad, March 5, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. In a statement on his X account, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working alongside the United States to ensure lasting peace and regional stability.
The recognition came after Pakistani intelligence agencies successfully captured Sharifullah, a high-ranking commander of Daesh, during an intelligence-led operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Sharifullah, an Afghan national, was identified as a key planner behind the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and nearly 170 Afghan civilians.
During his address to Congress, President Trump confirmed the terrorist’s capture, calling it a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism. “Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity,” he stated, referring to Sharifullah as a “monster.” Trump expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s assistance in the operation, emphasizing that the arrest brings justice to the families of the victims.
A senior U.S. official confirmed that Sharifullah was the mastermind behind the attack. Reports indicate that following his return to office, President Trump directed CIA Director John Ratcliffe to prioritize the capture of those responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing. Intelligence sharing between the CIA and Pakistan’s security agencies played a crucial role in tracking down the militant. High-level discussions on the matter also took place during the Munich Security Conference in February.
According to sources, Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was among the Daesh leaders involved in planning the deadly attack. His arrest follows a U.S. indictment unsealed in the Eastern District of Virginia, which charges him with providing support to a designated terrorist organization, leading to the loss of lives. FBI agents questioned him on Sunday, during which he admitted to joining Daesh-K in 2016 and actively participating in multiple attacks.
Court documents reveal that Sharifullah had been imprisoned from 2019 until just two weeks before the Kabul airport bombing. Upon his release, he was contacted by Daesh operatives and assigned to scout a safe route near Hamid Karzai International Airport. He later confirmed to his handlers that the path was clear, enabling the suicide bomber to proceed undetected. On the day of the attack, Sharifullah was instructed to leave the area before the explosion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to eliminating terrorism, emphasizing that the country has sacrificed over 80,000 lives in the fight against extremism. “Pakistan has always played a critical role in counter-terrorism efforts,” he stated, vowing to prevent militant groups from using Pakistan’s territory as a safe haven.
As Pakistan continues its efforts against terrorism, its collaboration with international partners remains vital in ensuring security and eliminating extremist threats from the region.
