US Congressional Delegation Meets with Minister Ahsan Iqbal to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
A US Congressional delegation, led by Representative Jack Bergman, met with Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, in Islamabad on Saturday. The meeting centered on strengthening Pakistan-US bilateral relations, with a particular focus on development cooperation and future collaboration across key sectors.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal welcomed the delegation, which included Representatives Thomas Richard Suozzi, Jonathan L. Jackson, and other senior US officials. During the meeting, Iqbal highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two nations, emphasizing shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to progress. He noted that this relationship remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, contributing significantly to regional stability and global peace.
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In his address, Iqbal underlined the evolving dynamics of Pak-US relations, calling for a new equilibrium that focuses on mutual trust and a development-focused partnership, especially in light of the changing geopolitical landscape. He spoke candidly about Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges, noting the country’s role in hosting over 3.5 million refugees for over three decades, as well as the challenges posed by drug trafficking and the rise of extremism following the US-led wars in the region.
The minister also stressed the importance of development collaboration in areas such as education, energy, climate change, infrastructure, and information technology. Drawing from his own experiences in the US, he lauded the transformative impact of US higher education in shaping global leaders. He particularly highlighted initiatives like the Fulbright Scholarship Program, which has provided thousands of Pakistani students access to world-class education.
Iqbal proposed enhanced cooperation in the education sector, advocating for the establishment of American university campuses in Pakistan and the creation of a Pak-US Knowledge Corridor to foster academic partnerships and joint programs. He stressed the need to develop a highly skilled workforce, which is critical to Pakistan’s sustainable growth.
Regarding the devastating floods of 2022, which caused over $30 billion in economic loss and affected nearly one-third of Pakistan, Iqbal called for renewed collaboration in climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
On the agriculture sector, Iqbal referenced the success of the Green Revolution in the 1960s, which was made possible with US support, helping Pakistan achieve food security. He advocated for a “Green Revolution 2.0” in response to climate change, focusing on smart agriculture through technology transfer and joint ventures.
Iqbal also underscored the information technology sector as Pakistan’s most promising field, citing the country’s position as the third-largest supplier of freelance IT professionals globally. He welcomed interest from US companies looking to expand in Pakistan, describing the youth as the country’s most valuable asset.
The minister highlighted several key initiatives, including the “Uraan Pakistan” program and the government’s “5Es Framework”, which aims to address long-standing economic challenges and place Pakistan on a path of sustainable growth by 2047. He emphasized the need for expanding exports to drive sustained economic growth and underscored the importance of political stability and reform for economic progress.
The US delegation expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and commended Minister Iqbal for his leadership, describing him as a symbol of the values the United States seeks to promote in Pakistan. They acknowledged the immense potential of Pakistan across various sectors and stressed the need to engage the private sector to unlock investment opportunities.
The delegation also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries, inviting Minister Iqbal to participate in a seminar on promoting Pak-US relations to be held on April 30 in Washington, DC.
Minister Iqbal welcomed the resumption of Congressional exchanges and appreciated the US initiative to hold a symposium on Pakistan at the Library of Congress on April 30. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to work closely with its international partners in building a prosperous future.
