• US consul general meets Senate chairman
• Regional peace, economic ties discussed

LAHORE: Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani has expressed concern over India’s unilateral actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), saying that “any attempt to use water as a tool of coercion undermines regional stability and threatens the livelihoods and food security of millions of Pakistanis”.

He was speaking to United States Consul General Stetson Sanders, who called on him here on Saturday.

Mr Gilani called upon the international community to support the restoration of treaty obligations and adherence to international law.

Following the unilateral suspension of the IWT in April 2025, in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, India escalated dam construction and began heavily regulating water at existing facilities such as the Baglihar Dam, posing a threat to Pakistan’s water supply.

Mr Gilani and Mr Sanders exchanged views on matters relating to Pakistan-US ties, trade and investment, besides regional peace and security.

The Senate chairman reiterated the country’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with the US, describing bilateral ties as an important pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy, based on mutual respect, shared objectives and forward-looking cooperation.

During the meeting, Mr Gilani appreciated the confidence reposed by US President Donald Trump and his administration in Pakistan’s constructive role for regional peace and diplomacy.

He noted that Pakistan was pleased to host the historic Islamabad Talks, which facilitated direct dialogue between the US and Iran and underscored Pakistan’s role as a responsible stakeholder in promoting peace and stability.

Expanding cooperation

The Senate chairman highlighted the positive momentum generated through recent high-level engagements between the two countries and emphasised the need to further expand cooperation in trade, investment, information technology, energy, minerals, health, education and agriculture.

Referring to economic relations, he stated that the US remained one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners and the largest destination for the country’s exports.

He welcomed the growing bilateral trade and the successful conclusion of the US-Pakistan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. He also invited greater American investment in the country’s agriculture, IT, mining and minerals, and energy sectors.

Mr Gilani said the US continued to be a major investor in Pakistan, with American enterprises contributing significantly to employment generation and economic development.

On regional peace and security, he acknowledged the efforts of President Trump and the US administration in facilitating a ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India following the military standoff of April-May 2025.

He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for constructive relations with all countries in the region while safeguarding its national interests and security.

Highlighting parliamentary diplomacy, the Senate chairman underscored the importance of exchanges between legislators of both countries.

He recalled Pakistan’s participation in parliamentary engagements at the United Nations and welcomed further exchanges between Pakistani and US parliamentarians to strengthen mutual understanding.

The Senate chairman also emphasised the vital role of people-to-people contacts in enhancing bilateral relations. He praised the contributions of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in the US and acknowledged the role of Pakistani students studying at American universities as future ambassadors of goodwill between the two nations.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan-US relations would continue to expand across diverse fields for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples.

Published in Dawn, May 31th, 2026