Eliminate Jaish-e-Mohammed, Combat Terrorism: US Congressman Brad Sherman Tells Pakistan
In a strong diplomatic message, US Congressman Brad Sherman has called on Pakistan to eliminate the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), citing its involvement in multiple terror attacks, including the 2002 murder of journalist Daniel Pearl. Sherman made the remarks during a meeting with a Pakistani delegation led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Washington on Thursday.
Sherman also raised concerns about the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan and demanded the release of Dr. Shakil Afridi, the physician who helped the CIA locate Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sherman said:
> “I emphasised to the Pakistani delegation the importance of combatting terrorism, and in particular, the group Jaish-e-Mohammed, who murdered my constituent Daniel Pearl in 2002. Pearl’s family continues to live in my district, and Pakistan should do all it can to eliminate this vile group.”
The JeM, a UN-designated terrorist organisation, has long been accused of carrying out major terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama bombing, which killed 40 CRPF personnel.
Sherman’s statement comes amid heightened diplomatic engagement in Washington, with Indian MPs also in the US capital, briefing officials on Operation Sindoor following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. India has blamed the attack on Pakistan-backed militants and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Sherman went beyond terrorism and expressed concern over the treatment of Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyya Muslims in Pakistan. He urged that these communities be allowed to practice their faith and participate freely in democratic processes, without fear or persecution.
In a separate but related point, Sherman pressed for the release of Dr. Shakil Afridi, who was arrested in 2011 for assisting US intelligence in tracking down bin Laden.
> “Freeing Dr. Afridi represents an important step in bringing closure for victims of 9/11,” he told the Pakistani delegation.
Dr. Afridi was sentenced to 33 years in prison and remains a symbol of strained US-Pakistan ties post the Abbottabad raid.
Sherman’s remarks come at a time when the India-US strategic partnership is deepening, especially on counterterrorism cooperation. The meeting with Pakistani officials also signals Washington’s continued concern over terror networks operating in South Asia.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has faced international scrutiny over its failure to curb terrorism emanating from its soil. Though Islamabad has officially banned groups like JeM, experts argue that enforcement remains weak and such outfits continue to operate under different names.
Sherman, a Democrat from California, has been vocal in the past on South Asia-related human rights and security issues. His direct appeal to the Pakistani leadership underscores the growing pressure on Islamabad from both US lawmakers and global partners.
Sherman’s post quickly gained traction online, with many Indian users welcoming the statement. Several foreign policy commentators noted that it adds diplomatic weight to India’s repeated concerns about Pakistan’s role in harbouring terror groups.
India has consistently pushed for global accountability on terrorism, especially after attacks like Uri (2016), Pathankot (2016), and Pulwama (2019).
