A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation, led by Senators Saleem H. Mandviwalla and Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, concluded a series of strategic meetings with U.S. lawmakers this week aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing critical immigration hurdles.
*PRESS RELEASE*
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla Represents Pakistan in Parliamentary Engagements in the United States
Washington, D.C., January 23, 2026 — Senator Saleem Mandviwalla represented Pakistan in a series of parliamentary and community engagements in the United States… pic.twitter.com/ctLHcYpiUN
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) January 23, 2026
Addressing Immigration and Visa Scrutiny
The central focus of the mission was the removal of Pakistan from the list of 75 nations subject to heightened immigration scrutiny. Senator Mandviwalla expressed strong confidence that these restrictions, which currently serve as a hurdle to diplomatic and commercial relations, will be resolved soon.
“Pakistan’s inclusion in this list is a serious issue that we have addressed head-on with our counterparts on Capitol Hill,” stated Senator Mandviwalla. Supported by data from the Pakistan Policy Institute USA, the delegation highlighted that the Pakistani-American diaspora is among the top 10 most prosperous demographic groups in the United States, rarely relying on social welfare—a point that resonated strongly with U.S. legislators.
Strategic Bipartisan Caucus Established
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Congressman Al Green (D-TX) agreed to form a Pakistan Strategic Bipartisan Caucus. This new body is designed to foster sustained, high-level dialogue and deeper strategic cooperation between the legislatures of both nations.
Non-Political Engagement and Parliamentary Diplomacy
The delegation emphasized that their visit was strictly non-political, focused on state-to-state relations rather than partisan lobbying. Senator Hassan noted that the objective was “constructive engagement” to boost trust and establish a partnership based on mutual strategic interests rather than necessity.
Key highlights of the visit included:
- Inter-Parliamentary Group Sessions: Meetings at the Rayburn House Office Building with Rep. Estes, Rep. Tom Suozzi, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, and Rep. Laura Gillen.
- Economic & Counterterrorism Cooperation: Discussions on Pakistan’s pivotal role in regional stability and the need for a partnership that thrives at the parliamentary level, beyond just executive channels.
- Regional Peace Initiatives: Recognition by U.S. lawmakers of Pakistan’s cooperation with global peace initiatives.
The delegation concluded that the visit marks a vital step in ensuring that Pakistan-US engagement remains inclusive, constructive, and sustainable through direct parliament-to-parliament ties.
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