WASHINGTON: Speakers at a Capitol Hill symposium on Tuesday said Pakistan’s offer to mediate between the United States and Iran reflects growing confidence in Islamabad’s diplomatic role amid rising regional tensions.
The discussion, held during a four-hour session titled “US and Pakistan: Past, Present, and Future,” highlighted Pakistan’s attempt to position itself as a stabilising force following recent US-Iran hostilities that escalated tensions across the Gulf.
Organised by the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and supported by Pakistan’s embassy, the event brought together policymakers and experts who emphasised Pakistan’s strategic importance due to its location and regional influence.
Speakers noted that Pakistan — a country of over 250 million people — should be viewed beyond a narrow security perspective. They pointed to its large diaspora in the US, growing middle class, natural resources, and nuclear capability as factors enhancing its global relevance.
The session, co-chaired by Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman, explored the evolving nature of US-Pakistan relations, which participants described as cyclical — marked by periods of cooperation followed by mistrust.
Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Pakistan, thanked Congress members for hosting what she called an important dialogue. Meanwhile, Paul Kapur noted positive developments in bilateral ties, particularly in economic sectors during the tenure of Donald Trump.
Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, underscored the country’s geostrategic importance and its longstanding role in counterterrorism efforts, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to promoting regional and global stability.
Participants stressed that future relations between the two countries should move beyond security-focused, transactional engagement toward stronger economic cooperation, including trade, investment, and technology partnerships.
While acknowledging Pakistan’s potential in sectors like minerals, renewable energy, and IT, speakers pointed to challenges such as policy inconsistency, bureaucratic hurdles, and weak legal frameworks that continue to deter foreign investment.
The forum also addressed regional security concerns, including tensions with India, the situation in Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s ties with China. Experts warned that fragile ceasefire conditions and militant threats could still trigger broader crises.
Human rights issues were also discussed, particularly efforts to end bonded labour in Pakistan’s brick kiln sector, with speakers calling for continued reforms and international cooperation.
In conclusion, participants agreed that a stronger, more stable US-Pakistan partnership is essential given both countries’ geopolitical significance. They called for sustained dialogue, realistic expectations, and practical reforms to build a more balanced and forward-looking relationship.