Islamabad (GNP): A US congressional delegation led by Representatives Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner met with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Islamabad, with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker also in attendance.
The meeting centered on Pakistan-US relations and opportunities for parliamentary cooperation. Speaker Sadiq emphasized that Pakistan values its long-standing relationship with the United States, built on mutual respect and shared interests, and highlighted the potential of parliamentary diplomacy to further strengthen bilateral ties. He called for expanding legislative exchanges between the two countries’ parliaments.
Sadiq reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and diplomatic solutions, noting that Pakistan had consistently advocated for restraint and dialogue during recent regional tensions, describing diplomacy as the most effective path to resolving disputes.
In response, the visiting US representatives thanked Sadiq for his hospitality and acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role during the Iran-US conflict, recognizing its contribution to regional peace efforts.
Earlier Engagement with Senate Chairman
In December 2025, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani had similarly welcomed the positive momentum in Pakistan-US relations following a series of high-level engagements between the two countries’ leadership.
Gilani highlighted the strength of the economic relationship, noting that the United States remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and top export destination.
He pointed to the presence of nearly 80 US companies operating in Pakistan, supporting an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 jobs, and invited further American investment in sectors including agriculture, IT, mining, and energy, expressing Pakistan’s interest in deepening institutional cooperation across these areas along with health, education, and other sectors.
On regional security, Gilani acknowledged the role played by the Trump administration in facilitating a ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India following the April-May 2025 military standoff. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for constructive relations with regional countries, while noting that India’s posture leaves Pakistan committed to maintaining its defense capabilities.
Gilani linked lasting regional peace to a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
He also raised the issue of Afghan refugees hosted by Pakistan for decades, calling for continued international cooperation to address the matter, and reflected on his past engagements with US leadership during his time as prime minister and earlier as National Assembly speaker.
On parliamentary diplomacy, Gilani emphasized that the Pakistan-US relationship is grounded in shared democratic values, recalling an earlier congressional delegation visit to Pakistan in April 2025 and expressing interest in expanding such exchanges going forward. He also briefed US officials on the recent Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, noting the relevance of its theme — “Peace, Security and Development” — to Pakistan’s broader commitment to regional and global stability.
Discussions also touched on the importance of people-to-people ties, cultural exchange, and educational cooperation between the two countries.
Also read: PM Reaffirms Commitment to Pakistan-China Strategic Partnership
A US representative, Shelley Saxen, acknowledged Pakistan’s perspective and reaffirmed continued US interest in strengthening cooperation across political, economic, and cultural areas, with both sides agreeing to remain engaged in deepening the Pakistan-US relationship going forward.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
