By Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, MS, MD, Ed.D.?Chairman, Pakistan Policy Institute USA
January 22, 2026,Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. : The successful U.S.–Pakistan relationship–building engagements convened last week in Washington, D.C., and New Jersey, under the auspices of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA, were the result of collective resolve, principled cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to lawful, diaspora-led diplomacy. This article is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to all those who stood firm, worked selflessly, and believed in strengthening this vital bilateral relationship at a critical juncture.
I begin by acknowledging the encouragement extended by the U.S. diplomatic mission—particularly the recognition issued by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad—appreciating last week’s engagements as productive and valuable in bridging long-standing gaps in the U.S.–Pakistan relationship. Such acknowledgment reinforces the importance of transparent, people-to-people diplomacy in advancing U.S. strategic interests abroad.
My deepest gratitude goes to the Senate of Pakistan and the visiting parliamentary delegation led by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Chief Whip of the Senate of Pakistan, Secretary General of the Pakistan Peoples Party, and former Finance Minister of Pakistan, accompanied by Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Affairs. Their presence, seriousness of purpose, and commitment to parliamentary dialogue laid the foundation for a new era of inter-legislative engagement. I also acknowledge the four distinguished Pakistani business leaders who accompanied the delegation and explored mutually beneficial business opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
January 22, 2026,Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. Leadership in action—Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, Chairman, and Mr. Matloob Khan, Vice Chairman, & Mr S Asfar Imam Director Media Coordination of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA.
I am particularly grateful to Dr. Sungbae Ju for his outstanding role in facilitating Pakistani delegates and advancing cross-community business engagement in the United States—an effort that exemplifies inclusive and principled partnership.
Within the Pakistan Policy Institute USA, several individuals merit special recognition. Our Vice Chairman, Matloob Khan, traveled from Houston, Texas, to New Jersey and Washington, D.C., taking a full week away from demanding professional and social commitments. He worked tirelessly and played a pivotal role in arranging sponsorship at the Rayburn House Office Building while engaging Democratic leadership, including the offices of Al Green and Lizzie Fletcher. I also extend sincere thanks to Vakil Ansari for sustained outreach and for helping secure bipartisan support essential to the proposed Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG).
On the Republican side, I express heartfelt appreciation for the keynote address delivered by Ron Estes, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, whose remarks underscored the strategic importance of constructive engagement with Pakistan. I am equally thankful for the support and encouragement from August Pfluger, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Michael McCaul, Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who expressed active interest in the IPG despite their overseas commitments.
I also thank Josh Gottheimer and his office, Laura Gillen, and Tom Suozzi for their cooperation and institutional support.
My appreciation extends to Asfar Imam for exemplary coordination in Washington, D.C., and to Anwar Iqbal, Anwar Qasmi, Shahbaz Syed, James Cyprian, Pervez Rafique, Varjeesh Partab, Manzoor Hussain, Dr. Qasim Cheema, Umer Choudhry, and all other colleagues and volunteers whose behind-the-scenes dedication made these engagements possible.
I am equally thankful to leaders of the Indian American community—Pankaj Rana, Dharmesh Rana, and Jasvanti Rana—for demonstrating exemplary inter-community solidarity. I also acknowledge the Bangladeshi American community, represented by Saleh Ghani and Dr. Mannan Razzak, whose participation reflected shared values of cooperation and peace.
My thanks extend to Antonio Latona, to GOP and Democratic local leadership and community members, and to dear friends and long-standing companions—my 50-year class fellows Mumtaz Syed, Faheem Khan, Qurratul Ain Rizvi Shaikh—as well as Captain Chris, a precinct captain who has known the Mujtaba family for over 35 years. Their presence and support added depth and continuity to these efforts.
I also acknowledge the U.S. Department of State and both the Pakistan Embassy in Washington and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad for facilitating A-2 and official visas for the delegation. While the full-house delegation was delayed, its completion is forthcoming. In due course, we will formally announce the Inter-Parliamentary Group and caucus—properly mandated by Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate and aligned with the U.S. Congress—fully compliant with the laws governing both legislatures.
It bears emphasis that the Pakistan Policy Institute USA is a domestic U.S. organization operating in full compliance with U.S. law, including FARA. Our work advances U.S. policy interests overseas—particularly in Pakistan—through transparent, voluntary, and independent engagement, without foreign funding or inducement. As Pakistani Americans, we regard it as a civic obligation to promote U.S. interests in countries where enduring friendships and relationships exist.
This initiative marked a historic first: a Pakistani parliamentary delegation engaging through unconventional diplomacy at the Rayburn House Office Building, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and with the Pakistani diaspora and state officials. In Pakistan’s 78-year history, such a diaspora-led effort had not been undertaken at this scale.
The journey was not without obstacles—rumors of cancellation, misinformation about congressional sessions, baseless claims regarding institutional standing, and unfounded assertions that no Members of Congress would participate. Facts prevailed. A strong keynote address was delivered, multiple congressional offices formally conveyed support, and the threshold required to initiate an IPG was exceeded.
In closing, I salute the Members of the U.S. Congress who stood with us and commend the U.S. diplomatic mission for its encouraging statement recognizing last week’s engagements as productive and valuable. To every individual named here—and to all others who contributed with sincerity and integrity—thank you for helping write a constructive chapter in U.S.–Pakistan relations.
