The visiting US lawmakers commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for their pivotal role in combating terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring contributions to regional peace and stability. They also expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s resilience and the strategic potential of its people.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi asserted on Sunday that Pakistan stood as a “wall between terrorism and the rest of the world” as he met a delegation of congressmen from the United States in Islamabad.
Pakistan and the US have delicate and complex ties, shaped by shared security concerns and divergent strategic priorities.
The meeting comes as the government is set to send a high-level delegation to the US to promote trade relations and discuss a 29 per cent tariff that was recently imposed on goods exported to the US.
“Terrorism is a global challenge. The international community urgently needs to fully cooperate with Pakistan,” Naqvi was quoted as saying in a statement by the interior ministry.
Naqvi met Congressmen Jack Bergman, Tom Suozzi and Jonathan Jackson in Islamabad today, according to a press release by the government-run PID. Bergman and Suozzi co-chair the Congressional Pakistan Caucus.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker and Interior Secretary Khurram Agha were also present during the meeting.
The US delegation – the first high-level group from Capitol Hill to visit Pakistan in almost two years – met Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal yesterday.
During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, as well as counterterrorism and border security. Both sides also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment.
Naqvi emphasised that intelligence and technology-sharing in the domain of counterterrorism was of utmost importance. The minister further said Pakistan’s immense sacrifices against terrorism were unmatched in the global context.
Naqvi termed the visit of US Congressmen as crucial in highlighting Pakistan’s unprecedented role in the fight against terrorism.
Separately, the delegation called on General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Discussions during the meeting encompassed a range of issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on regional security and defence cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained engagement based on mutual respect, shared values, and converging strategic interests.
The visiting US lawmakers commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for their pivotal role in combating terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring contributions to regional peace and stability. They also expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s resilience and the strategic potential of its people.
Underscoring their respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty, the US Congressional delegation conveyed a strong commitment to advancing broad-based bilateral cooperation, particularly in the domains of security, trade, investment, and economic development.
General Syed Asim Munir conveyed his appreciation to the delegation for their visit and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further deepen and diversify its longstanding partnership with the United States in a manner that is mutually beneficial and respectful of each other’s national interests.
During the meeting MoUs were also signed for training collaboration in the field of Information Technology.