Pakistan Intensifies Lobbying Efforts Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
- Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh’s Agenda Focuses on “Hill Meetings”
- PTI-Aligned Diaspora Plans Congressional Briefing on January 22
As Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency for a second term, Pakistan’s diplomatic and political factions are intensifying efforts to engage with the incoming U.S. administration and Congress. This strategic push comes amidst domestic political turmoil in Pakistan and shifting global dynamics.
Diplomatic Outreach
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, returned to Washington after a 20-day visit to Islamabad, where he participated in high-level consultations. Since the U.S. midterm elections, Ambassador Sheikh has engaged with over 20 lawmakers and plans to continue proactive outreach.
“Our mission is to advance Pakistan’s interests, regardless of political affiliations,” an embassy representative stated. While acknowledging PTI-led lobbying efforts, the ambassador emphasized the importance of prioritizing U.S.-Pakistan relations over partisan politics.
He appealed to the Pakistani diaspora to act as responsible advocates, noting, “Internal politics should not dictate the dynamics of our bilateral relationship. Constructive engagement is crucial for fostering a robust U.S.-Pakistan partnership.”
PTI Advocacy Escalates
On the other hand, PTI supporters in the U.S. are taking a more pointed approach. Dr. Usman Malik, affiliated with First Pakistan Global (FPG) and the Pakistani American Physicians Association (PAPA), announced a Congressional briefing scheduled for January 22, just days after Trump’s inauguration.
The briefing aims to spotlight alleged human rights abuses and the political crisis in Pakistan. Dr. Malik described their efforts as a response to a lack of justice in Pakistan, stating, “We are compelled to campaign for Imran Khan and PTI to ensure accountability and uphold democratic norms.”
FPG has framed their initiatives as amplifying the voices of the oppressed, with plans to invoke the Global Magnitsky Act to target individuals accused of human rights violations. Key Republican figures like Richard Grenell and Zalmay Khalilzad have also shown support for these causes, underscoring bipartisan interest in Pakistan’s political developments.
U.S. Policy Outlook
While the Biden administration has raised concerns over anti-democratic measures in Pakistan, including military trials of civilians, experts believe substantive changes in U.S. policy under Trump are unlikely.
Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center explained that Washington’s public stance on Pakistan’s democratic backsliding has been limited to avoid entanglement in the country’s political turmoil. Nonetheless, symbolic gestures, such as a statement or tweet from Trump, could still emerge, signaling U.S. attention to Imran Khan’s situation.
The Path Ahead
As Pakistan navigates these complex dynamics, analysts highlight the significance of targeted lobbying. Shuja Nawaz of the Atlantic Council emphasized the importance of leveraging influential Republican voices, noting that figures like Richard Grenell could shape policy narratives.
With Trump’s immediate priorities likely focused elsewhere, Pakistan’s diplomatic and diaspora-led efforts aim to ensure the country remains on Washington’s radar during this transitional period.
