Islamabad: April 12, 2025 – A U.S. Congressional Delegation (CODEL) led by Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), along with Representatives Thomas Richard Suozzi, Jonathan L. Jackson, and other senior U.S. officials, called on the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, in Islamabad on Saturday.
The meetings focused on strengthening Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of development cooperation and future collaboration across various sectors.
Welcoming the delegation, Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and the United States, underscoring shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to progress. He emphasized that in the realities of new geo-politics, there is a need to establish a new equilibrium in Pak-US relations based on the ground realities, mutual trust and development focused partnership.
Minister Iqbal highlighted the need to have understanding of Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges in the aftermaths of the two US led wars in the region. Pakistan has borne the brunt and burden of over 3.5 million refugees for over three decades, drug and gun running in the society and rise of extremism.
Minister Iqbal stressed the need to establish a new foundation in bilateral ties focused on development, especially in education, energy, climate change, infrastructure, and information technology.
Proposing enhanced cooperation in the education sector, the Minister urged the importance of “Pak-US Knowledge Corridor” and the establishment of campuses of top-tier American universities in Pakistan, assuring full facilitation by the government. He called for academic partnerships and joint programmes to develop a highly skilled human resource base, which is most critical for Pakistan’s sustainable growth and future prosperity.
The delegation reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries and enhancing collaboration in key areas. The delegation extended an invitation to the Minister of Planning & Development to participate in the seminar being held on 30 April, 2025 in Washington, DC on promoting Pak-US Relations.
Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting a delegation of U.S. Congressmen. Ambassador Natalie Baker, and Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha were also present.
During the meeting, detailed discussion was held on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Both sides also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and investment. Discussions were also held on security, counterterrorism, and border security.
Mohsin Naqvi said that strong and sustainable relations with the United States hold a key place in Pakistan’s foreign policy. He said the holding of Pakistan Caucus in the U.S. on April 30 is a welcome development. He emphasized that Pakistan stands as a wall between terrorism and the rest of the world.
He stressed that terrorism is a global challenge, and the international community must extend full cooperation to Pakistan. He emphasized that intelligence and technology sharing in the domain of counterterrorism is of utmost importance.
He further said that Pakistan’s immense sacrifices against terrorism are unmatched in the global context. He said that the visit of U.S. Congressmen will be crucial in highlighting Pakistan’s unprecedented role in the fight against terrorism.
The Interior Minister welcomed the U.S. delegation’s participation in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. He added that The government will ensure every possible facility and full protection to the investors.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that the Counter-Terrorism Dialogue, to be held in Islamabad in June, will play a key role in promoting mutual cooperation in the area of counterterrorism.
The U.S. Congressmen delegation said that there is a need to highlight Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism. They further said that the Pakistani community residing in the United States is very talented and hardworking.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch met with the visiting U.S. Congressional delegation comprising Congressmen Jack Bergman, Tom Suozzi, and Jonathan Jackson. The two sides resolved to further strengthen and diversify bilateral relations in the areas of mutual interest.
