• Meets visiting US lawmakers, urges global support in anti-terror fight
• Army chief, US congressmen discuss security, sign MoUs for collaboration on IT training
• Delegation lauds Pakistan’s armed forces for combating terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan “stands as a wall between terrorism and the rest of the world” and urged the international community to extend full cooperation, stressing that terrorism is a global threat.

He made these remarks during a meeting with a visiting bipartisan delegation of the US Congress, comprising Representatives Jack Bergman, Tom Suozzi and Jonathan Jackson on Sunday. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker and Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha were also present.

Mr Naqvi said that strong and sustainable relations with the United States held a key place in Pakistan’s foreign policy. During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Both sides also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment. Discussions were also held on security, counterterrorism and border security.

The federal minister said the holding of the Pakistan Caucus in the United States on April 30 is a welcome development.

He emphasised that intelligence and technology sharing in the domain of counterterrorism is of utmost importance. He also stressed that Pakistan’s immense sacrifices against terrorism are unmatched in the global context. He hoped the visit of US congressmen would be crucial in highlighting Pakistan’s unprecedented role in the fight against terrorism.

The interior minister welcomed the US delegation’s participation in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. He said that the government would ensure every possible facility and full protection to the investors.

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said that the Counter-Terrorism Dialogue, to be held in Islamabad in June, would play a key role in promoting cooperation in the area of counterterrorism.

The US delegation stressed the need to spotlight Pakistan’s contribution to global counterterrorism. They also lauded the Pakistani diaspora in the United States for their talent and dedication.

Delegation meets COAS

In a related development, the US delegation called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir at GHQ, Rawalpindi.

The two sides discussed regional security and defence cooperation, reaffirming the importance of sustained engagement based on mutual respect and shared strategic interests, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The visiting US lawmakers commended Pakistan’s armed forces for their pivotal role in combating terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring contributions to regional peace and stability. They also expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s resilience and the strategic potential of its people.

Underscoring their respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty, the US Congressional delegation conveyed a strong commitment to advancing broad-based bilateral cooperation, particularly in the domains of security, trade, investment and economic development.

Gen Munir conveyed his appreciation to the delegation for their visit and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further deepen and diversify its longstanding partnership with the United States in a manner that is mutually beneficial and respectful of each other’s national interests.

During the meeting, MoUs were also signed for training collaboration in the field of information technology.

Visit to Gandhara sites

Later, the US congressional delegation visited the Taxila Museum as well as the ancient city of Sirkap and praised Pakistan’s efforts to preserve its Buddhist heritage.

“The historical moments capture stories of the culture and mix of generations. Excellent set-up! Amazing place which preserves the wonders of the Gandhara art,” the lawmakers wrote in the museum’s visitors’ book.

Accompanied by Foreign Office and US Embassy officials, the delegation was briefed by Muhammad Iqbal, deputy director at the Directorate General of Archaeology. He informed the lawmakers that the museum houses over 4,000 artefacts, including stone, stucco, terracotta, gold, silver, iron and semi-precious objects dating from 600BC to 500AD.

The lawmakers were particularly impressed with the museum’s depiction of more than 70 episodes from the life of Buddha, as well as the Indo-Greek and Kushan-era structures at Sirkap, including the well-preserved Double-Headed Eagle Temple.

Mr Iqbal noted that Taxila is regarded as the second holy land of Buddhism, believed to be the birthplace of the first Buddha statue. He said Gandhara sites in Pakistan — especially those in Taxila, Peshawar, Mardan and Swat — hold immense potential to attract international tourists, particularly from countries like Thailand.

Later, the US congressmen visited the Sirkap ruins, where they showed keen interest in the fusion of Indo-Scythian, Parthian and Hellenistic architectural influences preserved at the site.

Our correspondent in Taxila also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2025