While US President Donald Trump seemed okay with the inclusion of Pakistan in the Gaza peace board, he did not like them in his own country, given the visa curbs he has in place. Here’s how Pakistani lawmakers are dealing with it
While US President Donald Trump seemed okay with the inclusion of Pakistan in the Gaza peace board, he did not like them in his own country, given the visa curbs he has in place. Amid the restrictions, a high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation has urged US lawmakers this week to remove their country from a list of nations subject to strict immigration visa restrictions.
The lawmakers called the current classification a “significant hurdle” in the diplomatic relations between the United States and Pakistan. According to the Pakistani news outlet Dawn, the committee was led by Senators Saleem H. Mandviwalla and Rana Mahmoodul Hassan. The delegation travelled to Washington to strengthen legislative ties and address specific bilateral concerns. Pakistani experts from various sectors, including trade and business, were also part of the group.
As per the report, the main focus of the dialogue was concerns over Pakistan’s inclusion among 75 nations whose citizens face heightened scrutiny and difficulties obtaining visas. “Pakistan’s inclusion in the list of 75 countries whose nationals face visa difficulties is a serious issue,” Mandviwalla said. “We hope this will soon be resolved and Pakistan’s name will be removed.”
Pakistani delegation meets US lawmakers
The delegation met the US lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building as part of an Inter-Parliamentary Group session, Dawn News reported. According to the report, during the talks, Representative Estes praised the delegates for their efforts to bridge the legislative bodies.
Rep. Al Green (DTX), Rep. Tom Suozzi (DNY), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (DNJ), and Rep. Laura Gillen (DNY) were also present at the meeting. “Pakistan’s inclusion in the list of 75 countries whose nationals face visa difficulties is a serious issue,” Mandviwalla said. “We hope this will soon be resolved and Pakistan’s name will be removed.”
During the meeting, Green agreed to form a Pakistan Strategic Bipartisan Caucus, intended to foster deeper strategic cooperation and sustained dialogue between the two nations’ legislatures. Meanwhile, the senators also 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.
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