Prime Minister’s interaction with members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) welcomed the Prime Minister and his delegation at the Capitol Hill on 21st October. Chairmen and Ranking Members of subcommittees of Foreign Affairs Committee including also attended the meeting.

The Prime Minister informed the House Foreign Affairs Committee about the upturn in Pakistan’s economy and government’s efforts to stimulate economic development, sustain fiscal stability and enhance regional economic connectivity.

Highlighting sacrifices of Pakistan’s civilians, military and law enforcement personnel, the Prime Minister also outlined Pakistan’s resolve to defeat terrorist networks through a comprehensive set of measures laid out in the National Action Plan. The Prime Minister remarked that operation Zarb-e-Azb had achieved its initial targets and was in a decisive phase.

The Prime Minister appreciated House Foreign Affairs Committee’s constructive role in supporting Pakistan-United States security and economic cooperation.

Illustrating his vision of a peaceful neighborhood, Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to remain engaged with the Afghan leadership in dealing with the common challenges. Prime Minister also briefed members of the Congress about his recent peace initiative towards India announced in the UN General Assembly session to resolve outstanding disputes including Kashmir.

Committee members interacted with the Prime minister on issues of mutual interest including Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and economic development. Matters related to peace and security in the region also came up for discussion.

Prime Minister was joined by Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Defence Minister, Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaz Aziz, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani.

Islamabad
October 22, 2015

398/2015