Islamabad, December 29, 2025: U.S. Political Counsellor Ms. Shelley Saxen on Monday called on Chairman Senate of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the Parliament House, where the two sides held wide-ranging discussions on Pakistan–United States relations, regional developments, and prospects for enhanced parliamentary cooperation.
During the meeting, Chairman Senate Gilani underscored that Pakistan’s relations with the United States remain a key pillar of its foreign policy, describing the partnership as longstanding, broad-based, and grounded in mutual respect, shared objectives, and forward-looking cooperation. He noted with satisfaction the positive momentum generated in recent months through high-level engagements between the leadership of the two countries.
Highlighting economic ties, the Chairman Senate said the United States is among Pakistan’s largest trading partners and the leading destination for Pakistani exports. He also acknowledged the strong U.S. investment presence in Pakistan, pointing out that nearly 80 American companies operate in the country, providing employment to an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 people.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani invited fresh U.S. investments in priority sectors such as agriculture, information technology, mines and minerals, and energy. He emphasized Pakistan’s interest in making tangible progress through sustained institutional engagement in trade, investment, IT, energy and minerals, health, education, and agriculture.
On regional peace and stability, the Chairman Senate appreciated the role of U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration in facilitating a ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India following the April–May 2025 military standoff. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to constructive relations with all regional countries, while stating that India’s aggressive posture and strategic ambitions compel Pakistan to safeguard its strategic and conventional capabilities.
He stressed that lasting peace in South Asia is intrinsically linked to the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Gilani also highlighted Pakistan’s decades-long hosting of Afghan refugees, remarking that the international community has largely overlooked their plight and calling for joint efforts to find a sustainable solution.
Discussing parliamentary diplomacy, the Chairman Senate said Pakistan–U.S. relations are rooted in democratic values and shared aspirations. He recalled the visit of a U.S. Congressional delegation to Pakistan in April 2025 and expressed interest in further expanding parliamentary exchanges. He also briefed Ms. Saxen on the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference held last month, noting that its theme—“Peace, Security and Development”—was highly relevant, as all three elements are closely interconnected.
Both sides emphasized the importance of people-to-people contacts, cultural linkages, and educational cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations.
Ms. Shelley Saxen appreciated Pakistan’s perspective and reaffirmed the United States’ interest in deepening cooperation with Pakistan across political, economic, and people-to-people domains. The two sides agreed to remain engaged and continue working together to further strengthen Pakistan–U.S. relations in the spirit of partnership and mutual benefit.
