Senior U.S. lawmakers are advocating for deeper ties with Pakistan, emphasizing the complexity of the relationship during a recent bipartisan symposium on Capitol Hill.
WASHINGTON, DC – Senior U.S. lawmakers and officials are advocating for deeper, more results-driven ties with Pakistan, describing the relationship as “complex.”
A bipartisan symposium held on Capitol Hill on March 26, co-hosted by Representatives Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Jack Bergman (R-MI), convened over 200 policymakers, diplomats, and experts to evaluate the current state and future trajectory of U.S.-Pakistan relations.
“At a time when our country and our world feel increasingly divided, it’s more important than ever to strengthen our relationships with key partners like Pakistan,” Suozzi remarked during the event.
Bergman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation across divides. “That kind of unity doesn’t happen by chance. It starts with conversation. It starts with a shared belief that progress is possible when people come together, exchange ideas openly, and engage respectfully,” he stated. He further noted that disagreements should be addressed “with respect” to foster lasting progress.
Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapur highlighted the U.S. government’s desire for tangible outcomes from the bilateral relationship. “We want to ensure the goodwill and high-level attention in the U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relationship translate into concrete benefits for the American and Pakistani people,” he said.
The symposium featured panel discussions focused on security and economic cooperation. Experts examined regional stability, particularly Pakistan’s relationships with India and China, and explored opportunities for expanding trade and investment.
Michael Kugelman of the Atlantic Council assessed the partnership as “in a good place” but stressed the need for sustainability over time. Former ambassador Touqir Hussain cautioned that U.S. policy must extend beyond mere optics. “If America wants good partners, it should have good policies. And the criterion of a good policy should not simply be that it looks good in Washington,” he remarked.
Security concerns were a significant focus of the discussions. Lisa Curtis warned that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains “a dangerous and deadly organization,” underscoring the U.S. interest in ensuring stability in Pakistan. Hassan Abbas emphasized the necessity of strengthening civilian law enforcement to combat terrorism, organized crime, and cross-border threats.
Esperanza Jelalian of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce noted that renewed engagement has opened new opportunities for private sector investment and called for the resolution of bilateral trade issues.
“This conference is about learning from the past, understanding where we are today, and charting a smarter, more cooperative path forward between our two countries,” Suozzi concluded.
According to IANS, the discussions at the symposium reflect a growing recognition of the need for a more nuanced and productive U.S.-Pakistan relationship.