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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan was appointed vice chair of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee on Wednesday, a move its officials described as international recognition of the country’s efforts to combat militancy and engage constructively within the UN system.

The committee, established in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks through Resolution 1373, monitors how UN member states implement counterterrorism measures.

Pakistan was also named chair of the Security Council committee overseeing sanctions against the Taliban, and co-chair of two informal working groups, one on improving the Council’s transparency and procedures and another on sanctions-related issues.

“These appointments represent an acknowledgment of Pakistan’s active engagement with the United Nations system, including its constructive role as an elected member of the Security Council,” the mission said in a statement. “They are also an international recognition of Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.”

These developments come nearly a month after New Delhi targeted Pakistani cities following a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. Indian officials blamed Pakistan for the assault, though the administration in Islamabad denied involvement and called for an “impartial” international probe.

The situation, however, escalated into a four-day military conflict before a US-brokered ceasefire was announced on May 10 by President Donald Trump.

Pakistan has also said in the past it has been targeted by armed militant factions operating from neighboring Afghanistan and “sponsored by India.” Both Kabul and New Delhi deny the charge, though Pakistan’s presence on the Taliban sanctions committee could carry significance in this context.

The Pakistani mission at the UN said it would work with other member states to help strengthen multilateral efforts against militant violence.

Pakistan, which began its two-year term as an elected member of the Security Council in January, has advocated for greater inclusivity and equity in global governance institutions, including reform of the UN’s working methods.

ISLAMABAD: The United States on Wednesday praised Pakistan’s leadership for helping broker a ceasefire with India and deepening counterterrorism cooperation, saying such efforts had made both nations and the wider region more secure.

The comments were made by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker at her country’s Independence Day reception in Islamabad.

The ceasefire was announced by President Donald Trump on May 10 following a four-day standoff between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, during which the two sides exchanged missile, drone and artillery fire in one of the most intense military escalations in their recent history.

“Our collaboration helped broker a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, a reminder that when we stand together, even persistent tensions can find a path to peace,” Baker said in her remarks.

“I want to echo President Trump’s deep appreciation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal [Asim] Munir for their leadership and commitment in choosing the path of peace,” she continued, calling their vision “transformative” while hoping to “take the US-Pakistan relationship into new frontiers.”

The US diplomat described the security and defense cooperation between the two countries as a pillar of bilateral partnership.

“For decades, our militaries have trained together, operated together and stood together to address shared threats, from terrorism to regional instability,” she continued. “Through joint exercises, capacity-building programs and military education exchanges, we’ve improved not only the security of our own nations but the safety of the wider region.”

“I want to acknowledge and thank our US and Pakistani military officials for your dedication, sacrifice and shared mission to make both our countries safer – a legacy we deeply honor,” she added.

Baker cited Pakistan’s recent capture and extradition of the Daesh militant responsible for the deadly 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul as a major milestone, saying it reflected growing operational trust between the two countries.

The attack killed 13 American service members and over 160 Afghan civilians during the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“Thanks to the leadership and resolve of Pakistan’s military and security authorities, terrorists are being brought to justice,” she said.

“As President Trump noted in his March address to the US Congress, the bravery and wisdom of Pakistan’s leadership has made both of our nations more secure.”

The event marked the 249th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence and was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior Pakistani officials, diplomats, business leaders and civil society representatives.

Baker said the bilateral US-Pakistan relationship had grown stronger across multiple sectors, from security and trade to innovation and cultural exchange.