Observer Report
Washington
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday addressed members of the US Congress at Capitol Hill shortly before wrapping up his three-day visit to Washington and departing for Pakistan.
The premier had been invited to a reception at Capitol Hill by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the chairperson of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. Also in attendance were a large number of senators and members of US House of Representatives.
Ahead of Prime Minister Imran’s address, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalled she had been introduced to Pakistan during her time at university, when another student had told her to read up on Pakistan’s founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. She said she learned about the “greatness of the statesman” during this venture. Pelosi noted that the relationship between Pakistan and the United States was an “important one”. As she welcomed the premier, Pelosi also thanked Pakistan for the “beautiful gift” of Pakistani Americans that she said the country had given to the US.
In her joint press conference with Prime Minister Imran, Pelosi said: “The United States values the critical relationship — the partnership with Pakistan.”
She thanked the premier for his leadership with regards to reconciliation efforts between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Taliban, and for advancing “enduring peace in the region”.
The prime minister thanked Pelosi for extending the invitation and for giving him a chance to share Pakistan’s point of view.
“So far, I feel that Pakistan has not really been represented properly in the US. I feel that it is time to have a different sort of relationship with the US — a reset,” he said.
A meeting was also held between Prime Minister Imran and Speaker Pelosi, attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other officials.
In his address at Capitol Hill, the premier shared that the “whole idea” of his visit to the United States was to create conditions so that Americans have a better understanding of Pakistan.
“Pakistan is not understood here; specifically from the last 15 years, when this ‘War on Terror’ was being fought in Afghanistan and on the borders of Pakistan.
“What I hope is that, by the time I leave, I will have made people here understand our point of view.”
The premier said Pakistan was trying its best to get the Taliban on the table to start a dialogue.
“Pakistan has the same objective as the United States: reaching a peaceful solution in Afghanistan as quickly as possible.” He acknowledged that this will not be easy, but assured the attendees that Pakistan would try its best. “The whole country is standing behind me — the Pakistan Army, the security forces, all are behind me.
