U.S. Congressional Delegation Praises Pakistan’s Role in Regional Peace and Counter-Terrorism
ISLAMABAD – A high-level delegation of U.S. Congress members, led by Congressman Jack Bergman and including Thomas Suozzi and Jonathan Jackson, visited Pakistan and held meetings with senior leadership to discuss mutual interests, particularly in regional security, defense, trade, and economic development.
During their visit, the delegation met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained engagement grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and strategic cooperation.
The visiting lawmakers commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for their pivotal role in combating terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability. They also recognized the resilience and potential of the Pakistani people, emphasizing their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Focus on Expanding Cooperation
The U.S. congressional delegation expressed a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation with Pakistan in key areas including security, trade, investment, and economic growth. They stressed the importance of maintaining respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty and building a partnership based on mutual benefit.
General Munir appreciated the visit and expressed Pakistan’s willingness to deepen and diversify its longstanding relationship with the United States. The meeting also saw the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to support collaboration in information technology training.
Meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
Earlier, the delegation held discussions with Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad. The meeting focused on security, counter-terrorism, and border security, along with broader conversations on economic and trade cooperation.
Minister Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s critical role in the global fight against terrorism, stating, “Pakistan stands as a wall between terrorism and the rest of the world.” He stressed that intelligence and technology sharing is vital to combating global threats.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s unmatched sacrifices in the war on terror and called on the international community to extend full cooperation. Naqvi welcomed the U.S. delegation’s interest in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, assuring full support and security for international investors.
Positive Outlook for Bilateral Relations
The interior minister underlined the importance of strong, sustainable ties with the U.S., adding that the upcoming Pakistan Caucus in the U.S. Congress, scheduled for April 30, is a positive step toward enhanced diplomatic engagement.
The U.S. congressmen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significant contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in the United States and emphasizing the need to better recognize Pakistan’s role in ensuring regional and global security.
