**Pakistan Proposes Enhanced US Collaboration During Congressional Delegation Visit Amid Tariff Tensions**
**Pakistan Proposes Enhanced US Collaboration During Congressional Delegation Visit Amid Tariff Tensions**
**Islamabad:** Pakistan pushed to deepen strategic and economic ties with the United States during a high-level meeting with a visiting U.S. Congressional delegation on Saturday. The talks come amid heightened bilateral tensions over recent tariff impositions, underscoring Islamabad’s bid to recalibrate relations through development-focused partnerships.
### **Key Discussions and Proposals**
Minister for Planning and Development **Ahsan Iqbal** emphasized the need for a “new equilibrium” in Pakistan-U.S. relations during discussions with the delegation, led by **Representative Jack Bergman** (R-Michigan) and including **Representatives Thomas Richard Suozzi** (D-New York) and **Jonathan L. Jackson** (D-Illinois). A government statement noted the dialogue centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, technology, and infrastructure.
Iqbal stressed the importance of aligning partnerships with “ground realities and mutual trust,” citing Pakistan’s socioeconomic challenges exacerbated by decades of regional instability, including fallout from U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan. He urged Washington to recognize Pakistan’s evolving role in regional geopolitics and its potential as a stabilizing force.
### **Context and Strategic Goals**
The visit follows recent U.S. tariffs on Pakistani exports, which have strained economic ties. Islamabad views expanded collaboration in energy, climate resilience, and education as critical to offsetting these pressures. The delegation also explored avenues for U.S. private-sector investment in Pakistan’s tech and agriculture industries.
### **Historical Ties and Future Prospects**
While Pakistan remains a key non-NATO ally, relations have fluctuated over counterterrorism strategies and Islamabad’s deepening ties with China. Saturday’s talks signal Pakistan’s effort to position itself as a bridge between global powers amid shifting alliances.
No joint statement was issued, but both sides acknowledged “progress” in identifying shared priorities. Disaster preparedness and cybersecurity were also discussed, reflecting growing U.S. interest in regional stability.
2. **Structure:** Broke content into clear sections (Key Discussions, Context, Historical Ties) for readability.
3. **Quotes & Context:** Integrated Iqbal’s geopolitical remarks with Pakistan’s post-war challenges.
4. **Clarity:** Streamlined repetitive details while emphasizing Pakistan’s strategic objectives.
5. **Tone:** Balanced neutrality with analytical depth (e.g., U.S.-China dynamics).
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