A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation has urged US lawmakers to remove Pakistan from a list of countries facing strict immigration visa restrictions, calling the classification a major obstacle to stronger bilateral relations.
Led by Senators Saleem H. Mandviwalla and Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, the delegation visited Washington to strengthen parliamentary ties and address key diplomatic concerns.
Experts from the trade and business sectors were also part of the delegation.
The talks focused on Pakistan’s inclusion among 75 countries whose citizens face increased scrutiny and difficulty obtaining US visas.
Senator Mandviwalla described the listing as a serious issue and expressed hope that Pakistan’s name would soon be removed.
He cited guidance from the US ambassador in Islamabad, noting the importance of clarifying to Congress that Pakistani Americans are not dependent on social welfare programs.
Dr Gholam Mujtaba of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA, which organized the visit, said the Pakistani diaspora ranks among the 10 most prosperous communities in the United States.
The delegation held meetings with US lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building, including Reps. Ron Estes, Al Green, Tom Suozzi, Josh Gottheimer, and Laura Gillen.
Rep. Green agreed to form a Pakistan Strategic Bipartisan Caucus to promote sustained legislative cooperation between the two countries.
The senators stressed that the visit was non-political, distancing it from recent lobbying efforts linked to supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Senator Hassan said the delegation’s focus was “constructive engagement”.
Beyond immigration issues, discussions covered economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and regional stability.
The delegation said parliamentary engagement is essential to strengthening Pakistan-US relations alongside executive-level diplomacy.