WASHINGTON (Dawn): A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation have urged US lawmakers this week to remove their country from a list of nations subject to strÂict immigration visa resÂtriÂctÂions, calling the current classification a significant hurÂdle in diplomatic relations.
Led by Senators Saleem H. Mandviwalla and Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, the delegation travelled to Washington to strengthen legislative ties and address specific bilateral concerns. ExpeÂrts from various sectors, incÂluding trade and business, were also part of the group.
The central focus of the dialogue was Pakistanâs inclusion among 75 nations whose citizens face heightened scrutiny and difficulties obtaining visas.
âPakistanâs inclusion in the list of 75 countries whose nationals face visa difficulties is a serious issue,â Mr Mandviwalla said. âWe hope this will soon be resolved and Pakistanâs name will be removed.â
To bolster their argument, Mr ManÂdviwalla cited advice from the US ambÂassador in Islamabad, who suggested clarifying to members of Congress that Pakistani Americans typically do not rely on social welfare benefits.
Dr Gholam Mujtaba, whose Pakistan Policy Institute USA organised the visit, noted that the diaspora is among the 10 most prosperous demographic groups in the United States.
âI raised this key point with the lawmakers,â Mr Mandviwalla said. âThey understood our position, and after these talks, I can say with confidence that Pakistan will be removed from the list.â
The delegation met US lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building as part of an Inter-ParliaÂmentary Group session. Rep. Estes praised the delegates for their efforts to bridge the legislative bodies. He also acknowledged Pakistanâs cooperation with peace initiatives, including early support for President Donald Trumpâs Gaza Peace Board.
The delegation also met Rep. Al Green (DTX), Rep. Tom Suozzi (DNY), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (DNJ), and Rep. Laura Gillen (DNY).
A significant diplomatic outcome was an agreement by Green to form a Pakistan Strategic Bipartisan CauÂcus, intended to foster deeper strategic cooperation and sustained dialogue between the two nationsâ legislatures.
During the meetings, the senators emphasised that their visit was strictly non-political. This distinction was made to address concerns from US officials regarding recent lobbying activities on Capitol Hill linked to supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Senator Hassan noted that the delegationâs purpose was âconstructive engagement, not politicsâ.
Beyond immigration, the officials discussed economic cooperation and Pakistanâs role in counterterrorism and regional stability. Mr Mandviwalla argued that reliance on executive channels alone is insufficient for a robust partnership.
âRelations must also thrive at the parliamentary level,â Mr Mandviwalla said. The delegation also discuÂssed economic and development cooperation, emphasising that Pakistan seeks partnership with the United States not out of weakness but as a strategic choice. The delegation concluded that these meetings mark an important step in strengthening Pakistan-US ties at the legislative level, complementing government-to-government relations and ensuring that bilateral engagement is inclusive, constructive, and sustainable.
