.jpeg)
Marco Rubio Presses Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to Condemn Kashmir Terror Attack, Boost Counterterrorism Cooperation
In a high-stakes phone call, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) urged Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to publicly condemn the recent terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir and enhance counterterrorism collaboration with Washington, sources familiar with the discussion told *[Publication]*. The 30-minute conversation comes amid escalating tensions in South Asia following the June 9 ambush that killed nine Hindu pilgrims in Reasi district – an attack India has blamed on Pakistan-based militants.
Key Discussion Points
1.Unequivocal Condemnation Demand
- Rubio, a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, pressed Sharif to issue an "unambiguous denouncement" of the Reasi attack, noting the victims included women and children.
- The senator referenced Pakistan's 2023 condemnation of an attack in Rajouri as precedent, asking why this incident hadn't received similar repudiation.
2. **Counterterrorism Ultimatum**
- The Florida lawmaker warned that Pakistan's alleged "safe havens for jihadist groups" could trigger sanctions under the *Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)*.
- He demanded "verifiable actions" against UN-designated terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), whose offshoot *The Resistance Front (TRF)* claimed responsibility for the attack.
3. **Geopolitical Repercussions**
- Rubio linked counterterror cooperation to Pakistan's hopes for:
- IMF bailout support
- F-16 fleet upgrades
- GSP+ trade status renewal with EU
Pakistan's Reported Response
According to insiders, Sharif's replies struck a delicate balance:
-Diplomatic Avoidance: No direct condemnation of the Reasi attack, but a general commitment to "combat all forms of extremism"
- **Deflection Tactics:** Highlighted Pakistan's own sacrifices (80,000 lives lost to terrorism since 2001)
Strategic Gambit: Proposed joint U.S.-Pakistan counterterror working groups while criticizing India's "oppressive military occupation" in Kashmir
The Bigger Picture
The call reflects Washington's growing frustration with what U.S. officials describe as Islamabad's "selective counterterrorism" approach:
- **Double Game Concerns:** Pakistan's continued ties with Taliban Afghanistan while seeking U.S. counterterror aid
China Factor: Rubio reportedly questioned Pakistan's alignment with Beijing in multilateral forums blocking terror designations
2024 Election Calculus:The discussion occurred days after Rubio co-sponsored a Senate resolution linking Pakistan's counterterror compliance to future aid
What Next?
The State Department is monitoring Pakistan's actions ahead of the *Financial Action Task Force (FATF)* review in October
- India is likely to amplify Rubio's statements at the upcoming UN General Assembly
- Observers note Sharif's fragile coalition can't afford hardline backlash domestically
This high-pressure engagement signals that despite Pakistan's strategic ties with China, Washington still holds significant economic and diplomatic leverage over Islamabad. The coming weeks will show whether this conversation yields policy changes or further bilateral strain.
Versatility Options:
1.Diplomatic Version:Soften language, include Pakistan Foreign Office's official statement
2. Breaking News Format:Bullet-point key revelations with timestamped updates
3. Analytical Piece:Add expert quotes on U.S.-Pakistan-India triangular.dynamic.
4.Localized Angle:Focus on impact to Kashmir's Pandit community with survivor interviews
Would you like to emphasize any particular aspect or adjust the framing
trending newspaper .update .breaking .fresh.us
