Bin Laden Was Found There: JD Vance's Pakistan Praise Meets Sharp US Senators Reminder

Pakistan's role in the ongoing US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland has sparked debate in Washington, with Republican senators reviving concerns over Islamabad's terrorism record even as US Vice President JD Vance praised Pakistan and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for helping facilitate talks with Tehran.

Florida Senator Rick Scott said Pakistan and Qatar had "long histories of harbouring terrorists" and appeared more interested in supporting Iran than securing lasting peace. Montana Senator Tim Sheehy , a former US Navy SEAL, pointed to the fact that Osama bin Laden was found living in Abbottabad before being killed by US forces in 2011, questioning Pakistan's credibility as a neutral intermediary.

The remarks came after Vance declared "we love Pakistan" during discussions involving the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar. He also joked that Munir was one of the two most important people in his life alongside his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance , adding that he had spoken with the Pakistani Army chief more than almost anyone else over the previous three months.

The criticism reflects a long-standing debate in Washington over Pakistan's security policies. Beyond the bin Laden episode, US officials have previously raised concerns over alleged Taliban and Haqqani Network sanctuaries during the Afghanistan war, Pakistan-based groups linked to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks , the activities of Hafiz Saeed , and the nuclear proliferation network run by A.Q. Khan . Pakistan's years on the FATF grey list also remain a recurring reference in discussions on terror financing.

While Pakistan rejects such allegations and highlights its sacrifices in combating terrorism, the latest controversy underscores how questions over trust continue to shadow its growing diplomatic role in regional crises.