Islamabad, August 19, 2026: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasir has called for transforming Pakistan-US relations into a more sustainable and institutional partnership through stronger parliamentary diplomacy, economic cooperation and people-to-people engagement.
He made the remarks during a meeting with US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Natalie A. Baker. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, parliamentary diplomacy, regional peace and stability, counterterrorism cooperation, the situation in Afghanistan and the development of long-term institutional linkages between Pakistan and the United States.
The Deputy Chairman Senate said Pakistan and the United States had a foundation of mutual respect, shared interests and longstanding cooperation that could be further strengthened through sustained political, parliamentary and diplomatic engagement.
He emphasized the role of parliaments as institutions of public representation and proposed establishing a permanent Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) between Pakistan and the United States. He said the proposed forum should go beyond ceremonial visits and focus on regular parliamentary dialogue, policy exchanges, institutional learning and measurable outcomes.
According to the Deputy Chairman, a structured parliamentary mechanism could facilitate regular interaction between the US Congress and Pakistan’s Parliament, promote discussions on issues of mutual interest and provide an effective follow-up mechanism for bilateral parliamentary cooperation.
Discussing terrorism, Syedaal Khan said it remained a shared challenge requiring enhanced cooperation and exchange of experiences between Pakistan and the United States. He highlighted Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, particularly the heavy human cost borne by the people of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
On Afghanistan, he said lasting peace and stability in the country were in the interest of Pakistan, the United States and the wider region. A peaceful Afghanistan, he added, could create opportunities for regional connectivity, trade and economic development while contributing to greater stability.
Referring to the regional situation, the Deputy Chairman reiterated Pakistan’s support for dialogue, diplomacy, restraint and peaceful means for resolving disputes. He said Pakistan would continue supporting efforts aimed at de-escalation and diplomatic engagement.
He also stressed that economic and trade cooperation should remain a central pillar of Pakistan-US relations. Increased US investment in Pakistan, improved market access for Pakistani products, technology transfer, innovation and stronger private-sector linkages could help expand mutually beneficial economic ties.
Syedaal Khan said parliamentary engagement could also help facilitate stronger connections between businesses and investors in the two countries, enabling economic cooperation to complement political and diplomatic relations.
Highlighting the importance of people-to-people contacts, he described the Pakistani-American community as an important bridge between Pakistan and the United States. He said the community could contribute to strengthening economic, educational, political and social ties between the two countries.
Natalie A. Baker appreciated the importance of parliamentary engagement in strengthening bilateral relations and agreed on the need to further promote cooperation, economic linkages and people-to-people contacts.
The meeting concluded with an understanding to maintain regular and sustained engagement and to make bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest more practical, substantive and result-oriented.
