Pakistan has called for a high-level economic dialogue with the United States (US), urging a shift in bilateral engagement from geopolitics to geoeconomics. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh met senior US lawmakers, emphasizing 2026 as a “year of action” to translate shared intentions into concrete economic cooperation.
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During meetings with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, the envoy highlighted Pakistan’s potential in sectors such as energy, defence, minerals, information technology, and artificial intelligence. He stressed the country’s low-cost, high-quality manufacturing base, noting exports like surgical instruments, textiles, and sports goods, including footballs used in five consecutive Fifa World Cups.
Always a pleasure to meet Chairman HFAC @RepBrianMast. Extended best Wishes for 2026 and thanked him for his leadership and continued support during a year of positive trajectory in Pak-US relations.
Noted that 2026 must be a Year of Action – moving from good intent to concrete… pic.twitter.com/wxxpzdPMou
— Amb. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh (@AmbRizSaeed) January 7, 2026
Ambassador Sheikh also addressed regional security concerns, warning that terrorism originating from Afghanistan continued to threaten Pakistan and international peace. He cited a 40 per cent rise in terrorist incidents in 2024 and a further 25 per cent increase in 2025, linking it to militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
Had a productive meeting with Chairman @RepMikeRogersAL, Chairman Armed Services Committee to discuss the ascendantly evolving Pak-US partnership. Focused on regional security challenges, the escalating and sponsored terrorism from Afghanistan, and the subsequently urgent need to… pic.twitter.com/jUHOcI1kAO
— Amb. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh (@AmbRizSaeed) January 8, 2026
The envoy expressed alarm over the use of advanced weapons left behind during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and cautioned that tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India could escalate if misperceptions or miscalculations persist. He reaffirmed that the unresolved Kashmir issue and the right of self-determination of its people remain central to lasting regional stability.
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Both sides agreed on the need to institutionalize structured and regular dialogue on economic and security matters. Ambassador Sheikh also extended invitations to US congressional leaders to visit Pakistan to strengthen parliamentary and people-to-people ties. He described the discussions as part of an “ascendantly evolving Pak-US partnership” aimed at ensuring regional and global peace, security, and long-term cooperation.