WASHINGTON: A senior Pakistani parliamentary delegation has urged United States lawmakers to remove Pakistan from a list of countries facing stringent immigration visa restrictions, arguing that the designation has become a major obstacle in bilateral relations.
The delegation, led by Senators Saleem H. Mandviwalla and Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, visited Washington this week to strengthen parliament-to-parliament engagement and raise concerns affecting ties between the two countries. Experts from trade, business, and policy sectors also accompanied the lawmakers.
At the centre of discussions was Pakistan’s inclusion among 75 countries whose citizens are subject to enhanced scrutiny and procedural hurdles when applying for US visas. Senator Mandviwalla described the classification as unfair and damaging.
“Pakistan’s inclusion in the list of 75 countries whose nationals face visa difficulties is a serious issue,” he said, adding that the delegation hoped the matter would be resolved soon. He expressed confidence that Pakistan’s name would eventually be removed.
To support their case, the senator cited guidance from the US ambassador in Islamabad, who had suggested that members of Congress be informed that Pakistani Americans are generally self-reliant and do not place a burden on the US social welfare system.
Dr Gholam Mujtaba of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA, which organised the visit, noted that Pakistani Americans rank among the 10 most prosperous demographic groups in the country.
The delegation held meetings with several members of Congress at the Rayburn House Office Building during an Inter-Parliamentary Group session. Among those present were Representatives Ron Estes, Al Green, Tom Suozzi, Josh Gottheimer, and Laura Gillen. Rep.
Estes praised the delegation’s efforts to strengthen legislative ties, while also acknowledging Pakistan’s cooperation with international peace initiatives, including early support for President Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Board.
A notable outcome of the visit was Rep. Green’s agreement to help establish a Pakistan Strategic Bipartisan Caucus aimed at sustained dialogue and deeper strategic cooperation between the two legislatures.
The senators stressed that the visit was non-political, distancing themselves from recent lobbying efforts linked to supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan. Beyond visa issues, discussions also covered economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and regional stability, with lawmakers underscoring the importance of strong parliamentary engagement alongside executive-level diplomacy.
