July 3; Commitment and Sincerity of Pakistani Parliamentary delegation was appreciated recently in the US Congress in the context of their useful meetings and interactions with their US counterparts during the United States-Pakistan Legislators Dialogue Forum held in April 2015 in Washington D.C., USA.
During the incoming Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale’s hearing held at the United States Senate on June 23, 2015, members of the US Congress and in particular Senator James Risch (R-ID), Chairman Senate Sub Committee on Near East, South and Central Asia and Counterterrorism, spoke about the sincerity and commitment of the members of the Pakistan Parliament to better US-Pakistan relations. Relevant excerpts from the hearing are reproduced below:
“Recently, this spring, a number of us had the opportunity to meet a delegation from Pakistani governing body, the parliament that were (ph) here. And I have to say, I think all of us were impressed with their sincerity and their commitment to do the things that would better U.S. Pakistan relationship.
The June 2014 operation against militant groups in FATA was a good effort to bring more stability to the border with Afghanistan. And hopefully, the U.S. Pakistan strategic dialogue can produce more tangible results politically and economically. The past seven (ph) years have shown us that despite enormous USAID, Pakistan will only prosper when a country can create a stable environment for trade and foreign direct investment. To achieve this kind of success, the international community needs a serious partner in the Pakistan government that can deepen these (ph) political institutions and work through its relationship with India and others.
After our meeting with the delegation from Pakistan, I think all of us believe that they have a sincere commitment to attempt to do that.” (Detailed Hearing June 23, 2015)
PILDAT welcomes the positive outcome and impact of the thirteen (13) member Pakistani Parliamentary Delegation engaging in a structured Dialogue with twenty-one (21) of their US counterparts on issues of mutual interest and concern during the Dialogue Forum.
The US-Pakistan Legislators Dialogue Forum, held in Washington D.C., USA from April 13-17, 2015, was an independent initiative facilitated by the Convergence Centre of Policy Resolution, the Consensus Building Institute in the US and PILDAT in Pakistan with support from the United States Institute of Peace-USIP.
