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Pakistan confers key honour on US CentCom chief who praised its counterterror role
US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla has been awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), one of Pakistan's highest state honours, by President Asif Ali Zardari, in a move seen as a signal of Islamabad's commitment to its defence ties with Washington.
The award was presented during a high-profile ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad, where Kurilla was also given a Tri-Services Guard of Honour. The Pakistani government cited Kurilla's contributions to regional peace, counterterrorism, and efforts to strengthen strategic military cooperation between Pakistan and the US.
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State broadcaster Radio Pakistan noted the honour recognised Kurilla's 'outstanding role in regional security and defence ties.' His visit included meetings with key military and political figures, including President Zardari and Army Chief General Asim Munir, focusing on defence cooperation and counterterrorism strategies.
The development comes just over a month after Kurilla praised Pakistan as a 'phenomenal partner' in counterterrorism, remarks made even as India stepped up diplomatic efforts to highlight Pakistan's record on terror financing, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Diplomatic sources say the gesture is part of Pakistan's broader effort to maintain strategic balance between the US and China, and to rebuild goodwill in Washington amid ongoing concerns related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistan was removed from FATF's grey list in 2022, but scrutiny remains, especially from countries like India, which continues to press for action over Islamabad's alleged inaction on terror networks.
The US, a founding member of FATF, plays a key role in shaping its policies. Pakistan's outreach, through high-profile honours and military cooperation, is seen as an attempt to maintain favour with Washington, especially amid its economic dependence on IMF bailouts and lingering FATF-related challenges.
'Pakistan is sending a subtle message—it may be close to China, but it still values its ties with the US,' a diplomatic source said to Hindustan Times, adding that CENTCOM's role remains central to America's post-Afghanistan military strategy in the region.
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