Historic U.S.-Pakistan Inter-Parliamentary Engagement Held in Washington D.C.

Clifton, New Jersey Jan 26, 2026 (EMWNews.com) – Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, Chairman of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA (PPI-USA), announced the successful conclusion of a historic three-day Inter-Parliamentary engagement in Washington, D.C., involving senior Pakistani Senate leaders and Members of the United States Congress.

The delegation from Pakistan included Senator Saleem Mandviwala (Chief Whip, Senate of Pakistan), Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan (Chairman, Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Affairs), and a group of Pakistani businessmen. The programs were convened at the request of the Chairman of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA and hosted by PPI-USA.

• Rayburn Building Inter-Parliamentary Meeting — January 22, 2026

The first major program took place at the Rayburn House Office Building, marking the first time in history that a Pakistan-based parliamentary delegation engaged in such structured dialogue inside the U.S. Congress under the stewardship of a Pakistani American think tank without foreign funding, without FARA impediments, and fully compliant with U.S. federal law.

The United States Congressional participation was as follows:

• Congressman Ron Estes (House Ways & Means Committee)
  Congressman Estes personally attended the meeting and delivered an official on-record statement supporting stronger U.S.-Pakistan cooperation, acknowledging by name his longstanding working ties with Dr. Gholam Mujtaba. His presence constituted direct Congressional approval at the Member level.
• Congressman Al Green (Sponsoring Member of Congress)
  As the sponsoring Member, Congressman Al Green’s office issued senior-level confirmation of participation. After the sudden weather-related Congressional recess, his senior staff formally represented him, reaffirming his endorsement of the inter-parliamentary dialogue and its strategic purpose.
• Congressman Tom Suozzi (New York)
  Congressman Suozzi had confirmed participation prior to the snowstorm advisory. Following recess, a senior leadership official attended on his behalf with explicit Member-level authorization.
• Congressman Josh Gottheimer (New Jersey)
  Congressman Gottheimer’s office cleared the engagement in advance, issued due diligence briefing queries, and, after recess, provided representation through senior leadership demonstrating continued approval.
• Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (Texas)
  Congresswoman Fletcher confirmed participation prior to recess. A senior chamber representative attended under her tacit approval, signaling institutional Congressional support.
• Congresswoman Laura Gillen (New York)
  Congresswoman Gillen pre-confirmed involvement and, after the recess, assigned a senior leadership representative to participate with Member authorization.

Collectively, these engagements reflected institutional U.S. Congressional interest in exploring a strategic U.S.-Pakistan caucus, an initiative that requires at least two Members of Congress to endorse, which was fulfilled through the mandate of six Congressional offices that met with the Pakistani Senator.

• Press Conference at the National Press Club — January 23, 2026

For the first time in the history of U.S.-Pakistan relations, Pakistani Senators addressed the international press at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The Senators presented Pakistan’s perspectives on geopolitical stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, regional security, and economic connectivity.

This unprecedented event formally inserted Pakistan’s Senate into Washington’s public policy discourse in a constructive, diplomatic framework.

III. Pakistani American Diaspora Reception in New Jersey — January 24, 2026

On the evening of January 24, a large reception was hosted for the visiting delegation in New Jersey and attended by Pakistani American, Indian American, and Bangladeshi American community leaders, city and state officials, and elected representatives–held moments before a worsening snowstorm and a statewide travel advisory.

Chief Whip Senator Saleem Mandviwala, originally scheduled to depart on January 25, was delayed by the weather and will return to Pakistan tonight. Both Senators expressed satisfaction with the engagements and conveyed their appreciation for the Pakistani American diaspora.

Mutual Appreciation & Strategic Outlook

Members of the U.S. Congress and the Pakistan Senate expressed appreciation for the role of Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, Chairman of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA, for pioneering a new doctrine of engagement between the two parliaments–built on diaspora diplomacy, independent scholarship, and compliance with U.S. legal frameworks.

This unconventional initiative demonstrated that serious inter-parliamentary diplomacy could advance without foreign-funded lobbying, without FARA obligations, and without undermining U.S. interests. It showcased the strategic relevance of Pakistan in global affairs and the capacity of Pakistani Americans to build informed bridges at a time when geopolitical tensions remain high.

Geopolitical Context

These engagements took place against the backdrop of Pakistan’s enduring strategic relevance in South Asia, where nuclear stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and trade corridors shape global security outcomes. The role of the United States–under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump–remains central in preventing escalation, reducing nuclear flashpoints between India and Pakistan, and ensuring that short, miscalculated conflicts do not ignite into wider regional instability.

Despite resource limitations, the absence of institutional patronage, and the noise of skepticism, history was made. The ice has broken, the doctrine is in motion, and Pakistani Americans have asserted their rightful place in contributing to peace, diplomacy, and democratic exchange.

Pakistan Policy Institute USA remains committed to strengthening U.S.-Pakistan relations through knowledge, dialogue, and respect for U.S. law.

Issued By:

Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, MS, MD, Ed.D.
Chairman, Pakistan Policy Institute USA
Clifton, New Jersey – USA