A Pakistani parliamentary delegation has urged US lawmakers in Washington to remove strict immigration visa restrictions on Pakistan and support a stronger, long-term partnership.
High-Level Delegation Visits Washington for Parliamentary Outreach
A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation has called on US lawmakers to ease strict immigration visa restrictions placed on Pakistan, describing the current classification as a major obstacle to deeper bilateral ties. The delegation travelled to Washington with the stated aim of strengthening parliamentary engagement and clearing what it sees as misconceptions that have contributed to tougher visa treatment for Pakistani citizens.
The group was led by Senators Saleem H. Mandviwalla and Rana Mahmoodul Hassan and included experts from the trade and business sectors. By combining political and economic voices, the delegation sought to present a broader picture of Pakistan’s contribution to the United States, especially through its diaspora and private sector links.
Challenge to Pakistan’s Inclusion on Strict Visa List
At the centre of the visit was Pakistan’s listing among 75 countries whose citizens reportedly face increased scrutiny and greater difficulty obtaining US visas. Senator Mandviwalla described this categorisation as a “serious issue” that sends the wrong signal about Pakistan and its people. He argued that tighter screening and longer processing times hurt ordinary travellers, students, professionals and families who want to maintain legitimate ties with the US.
The senator expressed hope that Pakistan would soon be removed from the list, saying that the delegation’s conversations on Capitol Hill were aimed at explaining the ground realities. He also referred to guidance from the US ambassador in Islamabad, emphasising the importance of clarifying to Congress that Pakistani Americans are not dependent on US social welfare programs and, in many cases, rank among the most economically successful immigrant communities.
Highlighting the Strength of the Pakistani Diaspora in America
During the meetings, the delegation leaned heavily on data and narratives about the Pakistani diaspora to counter negative perceptions. Dr Gholam Mujtaba of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA, which organised the visit, pointed out that Pakistani Americans are counted among the 10 most prosperous communities in the United States. They are strongly represented in medicine, engineering, IT, small business, academia and other professional fields.
By stressing the community’s contribution to the US economy and society, the delegation aimed to show that Pakistanis in America are taxpayers, innovators and job creators rather than a burden on public resources. This line of argument is intended to support the case for fairer treatment in visa policies and to reduce the effect of security-based narratives that have long shaped decisions on immigration from Pakistan.
Meetings With US Representatives and a New Strategic Caucus
The Pakistani delegation met multiple members of the US House of Representatives at the Rayburn House Office Building, including Ron Estes, Al Green, Tom Suozzi, Josh Gottheimer and Laura Gillen. One of the key outcomes reported from these meetings was Representative Al Green’s agreement to form a Pakistan Strategic Bipartisan Caucus. Such a caucus would provide a structured platform inside Congress for ongoing dialogue on Pakistan–US relations, beyond one-off visits or crisis-driven contact.
Delegation members stressed that their mission was strictly non-political and not linked to any party-specific lobbying, including recent efforts associated with supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan. Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan described the visit as an exercise in “constructive engagement,” focused on long-term institutional ties rather than short-term political wins.
Beyond Visas: Trade, Security and Regional Stability on the Agenda
Although immigration and visa restrictions were a central theme, the dialogue in Washington also touched on wider issues such as economic cooperation, counterterrorism and regional stability. Pakistani lawmakers argued that a more flexible visa regime would support trade and investment, make it easier for business delegations and students to travel, and build trust between the two countries’ private sectors.
On security matters, the delegation underlined Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism and its interest in stability across South Asia and beyond. They argued that stronger parliamentary-to-parliamentary links can complement executive-level diplomacy, making the overall relationship less vulnerable to shifts in political mood or short-lived controversies. For now, Pakistani lawmakers are hoping that their outreach on Capitol Hill will translate into a real review of visa policies, giving Pakistani travellers a fairer chance while reinforcing the message that the relationship should move toward a more balanced, long-term partnership.
