The US Political Counsellor, Ms. Shelley Saxen, called on Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at Parliament House, Islamabad. The meeting was marked by a comprehensive exchange of views on Pakistan-United States bilateral relations, regional developments, and avenues for enhanced parliamentary cooperation.
Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani underscored that Pakistan’s relations with the United States constitute an important pillar of its foreign policy, describing the relationship as longstanding, broad-based, and anchored in the principles of mutual respect, shared objectives, and forward-looking cooperation.
The Chairman Senate noted with satisfaction the positive momentum generated in recent months through high-level engagements between the leadership of the two countries.
Highlighting the strong economic and trade partnership, Chairman Senate stated that the United States remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and the biggest destination for Pakistani exports. He also acknowledged the robust U.S. investment footprint in Pakistan, noting that nearly 80 U.S. enterprises operate in the country, generating employment for an estimated 120,000-150,000 people.
The Chairman Senate invited fresh U.S. investments in priority sectors including agriculture, information technology, mines and minerals, and energy, and emphasized Pakistan’s desire to make tangible progress through sustained institutional engagement in areas such as trade, investment, IT, energy and minerals, health, education, and agriculture.
On regional peace and stability, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani appreciated the proactive role of President Donald Trump and his Administration in facilitating a ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India following the military standoff in April-May 2025. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to constructive relations with all regional countries, while affirming that India’s aggressive posture and strategic ambitions leave Pakistan with no option but to safeguard its strategic and conventional capabilities.
The Chairman Senate said that lasting peace in the region is linked to peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and as per aspiration of Kashmiri people. The Chairman Senate said that Pakistan hosted Afghan refugees for decades and the world has forgotten about them. “We need to work together to find a solution to the refugees’ problem” , Gilani remarked. Gilani also recalled his meetings with US leadership during his tenure as prime minister and before that as speaker of the National Assembly.
Discussing parliamentary diplomacy, the Chairman Senate emphasized that Pakistan-U.S. relations are rooted in democratic ideals and shared aspirations. He recalled the visit of a U.S. Congressional delegation to Pakistan in April 2025 and expressed the desire to further expand parliamentary exchanges.
He also apprised the US political counsellor about the Inter- parliamentary speakers’ conference held last month. Gilani observed that the theme of the conference “Peace, Security and development” was much important and relevant as all the three components are interlinked and Pakistan is committed to promote peace , security and development at the regional and global level.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of people-to-people contacts, cultural linkages, and educational cooperation.
Ms. Shelley Saxen appreciated Pakistan’s perspective and reaffirmed the United States’ interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and people-to-people domains. Both sides agreed to remain engaged and continue working together to further deepen Pakistan-U.S. relations in the spirit of partnership and mutual benefit.