Islamabad: In a high-level meeting aimed at reinforcing counterterrorism cooperation and economic collaboration, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with a delegation of United States Congressmen in Islamabad on Sunday. He emphasized Pakistan’s frontline role in the global fight against terrorism, describing the country as a “wall” between terrorism and the rest of the world.
The U.S. congressional delegation included Congressmen Jack Bergman, Tom Suozzi, and Jonathan Jackson. Also present were Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudry, acting U.S. Ambassador Natalie Baker, and Interior Secretary Khurram Agha.
The meeting, held at the Interior Ministry, focused on a wide array of topics, including security cooperation, trade, investment, and economic growth. However, the central theme remained counterterrorism efforts and the urgent need for international support.
“Terrorism is not a problem confined to any one country. It is a global threat that demands a collective response,” Naqvi said during the discussions. “Pakistan has paid a heavy price in its war against terrorism and continues to act as a critical bulwark protecting the international community.”
Naqvi urged Washington to enhance intelligence cooperation and provide Pakistan with access to advanced counterterrorism technologies. He stressed that such support would enable Pakistan to effectively counter the resurging threat of militancy, particularly in its restive western regions bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp increase in militant activity in recent months, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Security officials attribute much of the violence to terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, a charge consistently denied by the Taliban-led government in Kabul.
Against this backdrop, Naqvi welcomed the upcoming Pakistan-U.S. Counterterrorism Dialogue, scheduled for June, as a crucial step toward reinforcing bilateral security cooperation. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with the international community to eliminate terrorism from the region and beyond,” he said.
The U.S. delegation echoed the importance of continued collaboration and expressed interest in deepening bilateral ties. Congressmen Suozzi and Bergman acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan’s security and economic stability.
In addition to security matters, the talks touched upon avenues for enhancing trade and investment between the two nations. Interior Minister Naqvi highlighted opportunities in technology, energy, and infrastructure, and invited American investors to explore Pakistan’s growing market.
The meeting underscored a shared understanding that stability in South Asia is vital for global peace. Both sides agreed to maintain open channels for communication and coordination, particularly in the face of shared threats.
As global terrorism evolves, Pakistan’s strategic importance continues to grow. The country’s leaders, including Interior Minister Naqvi, are keen to position Pakistan as not only a victim of terror but also a key player in the international response to extremism.
