Washington, January 15, 2025: White House spokesperson John Kirby clarified on Wednesday that Pakistan has never been a “technical or tactical ally” of the United States, emphasizing the absence of any formal treaty of alliance between the two nations.
Speaking during a press briefing in Washington, Kirby responded to a query about the Biden administration’s actions regarding Pakistan’s concerns over rising cross-border terrorism. He stated, “Pakistan was never a technical ally of the United States. I mean, there was no treaty of alliance with Pakistan.”
Kirby, however, acknowledged the longstanding history of cooperation between the two countries in counterterrorism efforts. “Over the last couple of decades, we have partnered with Pakistan, as appropriate, to address the terrorist threat that persists along the spine between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he said.
Addressing ongoing security challenges, Kirby noted, “We recognise that the Pakistani people continue to fall victim to terrorist violence originating across the border. We are aware of these challenges and the toll they take on Pakistan.”
He reaffirmed the Biden administration’s commitment to collaboration with Pakistan in tackling shared threats. “We remain dedicated to working with Pakistan to address these common challenges. That commitment has not changed, and it will not change,” Kirby concluded.
