In a significant diplomatic engagement in Washington, the Pakistani delegation led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari faced pointed questions from senior US lawmakers regarding Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorist groups, particularly Jaish-e-Mohammed. The meeting underscored continuing concerns in Washington about regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and human rights within Pakistan.

Senior Congressman Brad Sherman, speaking after the meeting, was clear in demanding decisive action from Pakistan against the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed. He recalled the horrific murder of his constituent, journalist Daniel Pearl, by militants linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2002. Sherman emphasized the need for Pakistan to take concrete steps to dismantle terror networks operating from its soil, pressing Bilawal Bhutto’s delegation to prioritize counterterrorism seriously for regional and global peace.

The meeting coincided with a parallel visit by an Indian multi-party parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who was in the US to brief officials on Operation Sindoor and India’s broader counterterrorism response following the Pahalgam terror attack in April. While the Indian delegation focused on India's perspective, US lawmakers directed their primary concerns at Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism and the urgent need to protect minority communities within Pakistan.

Another critical issue raised was the incarceration of Dr Shakil Afridi, the Pakistani physician who assisted US intelligence in locating Osama bin Laden during the 2011 raid. Sherman called for Afridi’s release, describing it as a meaningful step toward justice and closure for victims of the 9/11 attacks. Afridi’s continued imprisonment remains a contentious point in US-Pakistan relations.

The US lawmakers also voiced serious concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan, including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyya Muslims. Sherman stressed that these communities must be able to freely practice their religion and participate fully in Pakistan’s democratic process without fear of violence or discrimination. The emphasis on religious freedom signals ongoing worries about systemic injustices faced by minority groups in Pakistan.

Bilawal Bhutto’s visit, which also included meetings with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN Security Council ambassadors, appeared aimed at raising the Kashmir issue on the international stage. However, the dominant theme in discussions with US lawmakers remained Pakistan’s responsibility in combating terrorism and addressing human rights concerns.

This meeting reflects the continuing complex dynamics in US-Pakistan relations, where dialogue is marked by calls for accountability on terrorism and human rights, even as Pakistan seeks international support on regional issues like Kashmir. The pressure from US lawmakers on Pakistan to curb terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and improve the condition of religious minorities highlights critical challenges Islamabad faces in its foreign policy and internal governance.

Overall, the engagement signals that the US Congress expects tangible results from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, respect for religious freedoms, and cooperation on international security concerns. The contrast between the Indian delegation’s visit and the Pakistani delegation’s encounter with US lawmakers also underscores the ongoing geopolitical contest in the region, with terrorism and human rights as central points of contention.

The Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari left Washington with a clear message: addressing terrorism, especially the menace of Jaish-e-Mohammed, and safeguarding minority rights are non-negotiable priorities for the international community, particularly the United States.

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