Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D) and Congressman Jim Banks (R), co-chairs of Pakistan Caucus for the 116th Congress, have pledged to make the caucus effective in order to strengthen the U.S.-Pakistan relationship.
The Caucus for the current Congress was announced at an event during Pakistan Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan’s visit to Houston.
Formed more than a decade ago, Pakistan Congressional Caucus had support of a lot of members on the Capitol Hill but it could not sustain its momentum due to a variety of reasons. During this period, the two countries have seen many ups and downs in the relationship since entering into a counterterrorism alliance since 9/11 terrorist attacks.
It has bee only in the last few months that Washington and Islamabad have showed signs towards improving the ties through cooperation on Afghan peace effort. The US-Pakistan relationship has been affected by a series of geopolitical factors and Afghan war controversies.
Co-Chairs of Pakistan Caucus and Ambassador Asad M Khan in Houston, Image Credit: Pakistan Embassy
As the founding Co-chair of Pakistan caucus over the years, Congresswoman Lee remarked at the event in Houston that revival of the caucus for the 116th Congress is an important step forward with regard to expanding the scope of bilateral ties geared to improving lives and livelihoods of people in both countries.
She also praised the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Congressman Jim Banks also extended his support and commitment towards a strong and effective Pakistan Caucus, the Pakistani embassy said.
On this occasion, Ambassador Asad Majeed expressed deep appreciation to Congresswoman Lee for her steadfast support to Pakistan over the last many years and “her commitment to a stronger partnership with Pakistan.”
He also welcomed Jim Banks as the Republican Co-chair of the Pakistan Caucus.
Ambassador Khan assured both lawmakers of a close working relationship aimed at building stronger linkages between the people as well as parliamentarians of both the countries.
The people-to-people linkages will “help to provide depth and breadth to our relationship,” the Pakistani diplomat said.
He particularly emphasized the need for enhancing the economic and commercial content of bilateral ties that would underwrite durability of the bilateral relations.
