The United States State Department announced its support for Pakistan’s new counterterrorism operation, Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the federal cabinet.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, during a press briefing, expressed Washington's backing of Pakistan's efforts to ensure the safety and security of its citizens while promoting the rule of law and protecting human rights.

Miller emphasized the strong US-Pakistan partnership on security issues, which includes counterterrorism dialogues, capacity-building programs, and military engagements.

Addressing concerns about religiously-motivated violence in Pakistan specifically the Swat incident, Miller reiterated the US's stance against such violence and blasphemy laws, urging Pakistani authorities to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion, expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

He expressed regret over the incident of mob violence in Swat. Matthew Miller said there is concern over incidents of religious violence.

"As we have previously stated, we are always concerned by incidents of religiously motivated violence. Violence or the threat of violence against another person is never an acceptable form of expression, and we oppose blasphemy laws everywhere in the world, including in Pakistan," said Miller.

Miller noted that the US frequently engages with Pakistani counterparts on human rights issues, as highlighted in Pakistan's designation as a Country of Particular Concern and the Department’s Annual International Religious Freedom Report and Country Report on Human Rights Practices.