Pakistan's ISIS Arrest Shows Cooperation Can Work. Will the US Step Up?

When news broke that Pakistan had arrested Mohammad Sharifullah, a key ISIS-Khorasan operative, and handed him over to the United States, it felt like a rare moment of clarity in an often murky world. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s call to Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar wasn’t just diplomatic theater; it was a signal that cooperation between these two nations could still yield tangible results. Sharifullah’s capture, tied to the horrific 2021 Kabul airport attack that killed 13 American service members and over 170 Afghans, underscores what’s at stake: lives, security, and a shared commitment to rooting out terror.

This isn’t a one-off victory. It builds on years of painstaking collaboration, from joint operations post-9/11 to intelligence sharing that’s disrupted countless plots. The Biden administration laid groundwork for this kind of partnership, emphasizing multilateral efforts over unilateral bravado. Now, with Pakistan stepping up, there’s a chance to deepen that legacy, proving that nations can unite against a common enemy without sacrificing their sovereignty or dignity. It’s a fragile hope, but one worth seizing.

Yet, the applause from Washington rings hollow if it’s not matched by action. Pakistan’s willingness to confront ISIS-K, a group thriving in the chaos of Afghanistan’s borderlands, demands more than a pat on the back. It’s a call for the U.S. to recommit to a partnership that prioritizes human lives over political posturing, a partnership that could redefine global security for a new generation.

Beneath the surface of this counterterrorism win lies a thornier reality: trade. The Trump administration’s 29% tariff on Pakistani exports, particularly textiles, is a gut punch to a nation where millions depend on that industry for survival. Rubio’s talk of ‘fair and balanced’ trade sounds noble, but it’s hard to ignore the asymmetry. Pakistan, a tiny sliver of U.S. imports, faces a disproportionate hit, while American goods face Pakistan’s own high tariffs. The result? A standoff that risks unraveling economic ties just as security cooperation gains traction.

Textiles aren’t just goods; they’re livelihoods. In Pakistan, the sector employs millions, many of them women and rural workers who have few other options. Slapping tariffs on these exports doesn’t level the playing field; it tilts it against the vulnerable. Historical precedent backs this up—when the U.S. suspended aid in 1979 over Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions, it was ordinary people who bore the brunt. Today’s tariff war echoes that same shortsightedness, punishing a partner instead of building it up.

Contrast this with the potential of critical minerals. Pakistan’s untapped reserves, from copper-gold at Reko Diq to lithium in the north, could power a clean energy revolution. U.S. investment here isn’t charity; it’s strategy, a way to counter China’s grip on supply chains while lifting Pakistan’s economy. Rubio’s nod to this prospect is a start, but it’s drowned out by tariff rhetoric that prioritizes domestic wins over global good. True partnership invests in people, not just protectionism.

Pakistan’s new role on the UN Security Council offers a platform to amplify this momentum. Starting January 1, its two-year term as a non-permanent member positions it to shape debates on terrorism, climate change, and humanitarian crises. This isn’t a ceremonial gig. With a voice on sanctions committees and a track record in peacekeeping—46 missions worldwide—Pakistan can push for solutions that reflect the needs of the Global South, not just Western agendas.

Take climate change. Pakistan’s advocacy for the ‘Loss and Damage’ fund aligns with a moral imperative: nations least responsible for emissions suffer most from their fallout. Floods in 2022 devastated a third of the country, displacing millions. Pair this with its counterterrorism resolve, and Pakistan emerges as a leader that bridges security and sustainability. The U.S. has a chance to back this vision, amplifying a partner that’s punching above its weight.

Some skeptics argue Pakistan’s focus on Kashmir or its deportation of Afghan migrants undercuts its credibility. They’re not entirely wrong—pushing out 3 million undocumented Afghans risks fueling instability, not curbing it. But that critique misses the bigger picture. Pakistan’s juggling domestic pressures with global responsibilities, a balancing act the U.S. often demands without offering enough support. Dismissing its efforts ignores the complexity of a nation fighting to stabilize itself and its region.

Sharifullah’s arrest isn’t just a headline; it’s a lifeline. It proves that when the U.S. and Pakistan align their strengths—intelligence, resolve, and a shared stake in peace—the world gets safer. But this can’t be a fleeting high. Deepening ties means tackling trade inequities, investing in Pakistan’s mineral wealth, and championing its UN role. It’s about building a partnership that lifts people up, not one that leaves them scrambling to survive.

The alternative is grim. If tariffs choke Pakistan’s economy or if counterterrorism falters, the fallout won’t stay contained. ISIS-K thrives on desperation; instability breeds chaos. The U.S. has a choice: double down on a partnership that works for everyone or retreat into policies that protect a few at the expense of many. For those who believe in a world where justice and cooperation trump isolation, the answer is clear. Pakistan’s move deserves more than praise—it deserves commitment.