News
July 31, 2026
US Congressmen Acknowledge Pakistan's 'Critical Role' in Regional Stability
Rawalpindi: Visiting US congressmen acknowledged Pakistan’s “critical role” in regional stability during a meeting with Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the CDF met the two members of the US House of Representatives, Ryan Keith Zinke (Montana) and Michael James (Washington), at General Headquarters (GHQ).
“Discussions focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security, bilateral defense cooperation and avenues for enhancing economic collaboration and prosperity,” the ISPR statement said. It further noted that the visiting dignitaries acknowledged Pakistan’s “critical role” in regional stability, as well as its economic resilience.
CDF Munir highlighted Pakistan’s “vast economic potential” and emphasized that sustainable regional stability was deeply anchored in economic growth, trade expansion and connectivity. He underscored the country’s ongoing structural reforms “aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investment”.
“Recognizing the professional backgrounds and insights of the delegation, both sides discussed potential opportunities for bilateral economic engagement, private sector partnerships and enhancing bilateral trade ties.”
Thanking the military leadership for the warm hospitality, the delegation expressed its commitment to promoting deeper economic, commercial and institutional linkages between Pakistan and the US.
Trips to Islamabad, Lahore
Zinke and James arrived in Pakistan last week. During their visit to Islamabad on Saturday, they expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-US relations.
Speaking to state-run Pakistan TV, James said bilateral ties between the two countries were “going to be stronger”, while Zinke remarked that the relationship “has never been better”.
The two lawmakers toured the Lok Virsa Museum and the Pakistan Monument in the federal capital, the report added.
Zinke and James also visited Lahore , where they met with Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and discussed bilateral ties, Pakistan TV reported.
During the visit, the delegation toured Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and mausoleum of Allama Iqbal.
Commenting on their interactions with Punjab authorities, James said, “We are very impressed to see what Lahore was doing with their centralized police security system […] and then hearing what the minister’s plans were for education, tourism, transportation.”
Both congressmen also hailed Pakistan’s “constructive” mediation efforts between the US and Iran.
Islamabad and Washington have expressed interest in increasing collaboration in areas such as critical minerals , energy development, information technology, and emerging economic sectors.
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