A six-member U.S. Senate delegation from the Democratic Party, led by Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer, called on the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today. Other members of the delegation included Senators Maria Cantwell, Amy Klobuchar, Gary Peters, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Peter Welch. Welcoming the Senators, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of long-standing cooperation between Pakistan and the U.S. and the need to make this partnership diverse and multidimensional. The Prime Minister underlined that parliamentary exchanges between the two countries, as vibrant democracies, are vital to promoting understanding of each others’ perspectives at the political level. The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan and U.S. celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations last year, and that this diplomatic milestone presented an ideal opportunity to chart future course for Pak-US bilateral ties. Pointing to the unrealized potential in the trade, investment and technology realms, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of forging a more robust and mutually beneficial bilateral economic partnership. The Prime Minister recognized the important role that the vibrant Pakistani community plays in serving as an important bridge between the two countries. Prime Minister thanked the U.S. for its support and solidarity with the people of Pakistan during the 2022 floods and its participation in the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan. A number of issues of mutual interest and importance including the situation in Afghanistan, and deteriorating human rights situation and growing repression in IIOJK, were also discussed during the meeting. The Prime Minister urged the U.S. Congress to play its due role in raising its voice for the rights of the Kashmiri people and against the rising wave of anti-Muslim extremism in India. Senator Schumer, thanking the Prime Minister on behalf of the delegation, affirmed the desire to further strengthen Pakistan-US bilateral ties in various dimensions through continued engagement and wider co-operation.
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