A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation has urged US lawmakers to remove Pakistan from a list of countries subject to stricter immigration visa scrutiny, calling the classification a major obstacle to improved bilateral relations.
Read More: Pakistani lawmakers arrive in Washington for talks
The delegation, led by Senators Saleem H. Mandviwalla and Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, visited Washington this week to strengthen parliament-to-parliament ties and raise concerns over Pakistan’s inclusion among 75 nations whose citizens face heightened visa restrictions. Experts from trade, business and policy sectors also accompanied the lawmakers.
Speaking during meetings with members of Congress, Senator Mandviwalla described Pakistan’s placement on the list as a serious diplomatic concern and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved soon. He said Pakistani officials had sought to clarify misconceptions about the Pakistani-American community, noting that it ranks among the most economically successful diaspora groups in the United States and does not disproportionately rely on social welfare programmes.
Pakistan, US to launch joint crackdown on fake visa networks as both sides intensify efforts against immigration fraud. pic.twitter.com/Bqr8QzJyZ6
— Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi (@MansurQr) January 25, 2026
Illegal migration destroys lives and weakens trust between nations.
Pakistan and America are taking coordinated action to protect borders, expose fraud, and restore national credibility.#豊臣兄弟 #ローソン50周年記念ライブ #パンチドランクウーマン #リブート #Iran… pic.twitter.com/w4yOpszyyp— Zaryab Ali (@zaryabali720) January 25, 2026
Dr Gholam Mujtaba, head of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA, which organised the visit, said the delegation highlighted the positive contributions of Pakistani Americans to US society. Mandviwalla said lawmakers appeared receptive to the arguments presented during the discussions.
The meetings took place at the Rayburn House Office Building under the Inter-Parliamentary Group framework. US Representative Ron Estes welcomed the engagement and acknowledged Pakistan’s cooperation in regional peace initiatives, including its early support for President Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Board.
The delegation also held talks with Representatives Al Green, Tom Suozzi, Josh Gottheimer and Laura Gillen. During the visit, Rep. Green agreed to help establish a Pakistan Strategic Bipartisan Caucus aimed at promoting sustained dialogue and deeper cooperation between the two legislatures.
Pakistani senators stressed that the visit was non-political, addressing concerns in Washington over recent lobbying activities linked to domestic political developments in Pakistan. Senator Hassan said the purpose of the meetings was constructive engagement rather than partisan advocacy.
Read More: Membership of 23 lawmakers restored after asset disclosure
Beyond visa issues, discussions covered economic cooperation, counterterrorism and regional stability. The delegation emphasised that stronger parliamentary links were essential for building trust and reinforcing a long-term strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States.