US Congress members meet Asim Munir, vow stronger defence ties

WEB DESK: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Monday evening met a US delegation comprising House of Representatives members Ryan Keith Zinke from Montana and Michael James from Washington.

During the meeting held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional security, defence cooperation, bilateral economic ties and opportunities to promote shared prosperity.

The US delegation praised Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability and economic resilience, acknowledging Islamabad’s efforts towards peace-building in the region.

Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted Pakistan’s economic potential and said sustainable regional stability depends on economic growth, increased trade and enhanced regional connectivity.

He also underscored Pakistan’s ongoing structural reforms aimed at creating a business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investment.

The two sides discussed ways to expand bilateral economic cooperation, strengthen private-sector partnerships and increase trade relations between Pakistan and the United States.

The US lawmakers thanked Pakistan’s military leadership for the warm hospitality and expressed their commitment to further strengthening economic, trade and institutional ties between the two countries.

Both the US lawmakers landed in Pakistan last week. Both visitors expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-US relations.

"Pakistan-US relations have never been better," says US Congressman Ryan Zinke while speaking to Pakistan TV. He says President Donald Trump, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif maintain strong communication, expressing confidence that bilateral ties… pic.twitter.com/pewMZhnjAQ

— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) July 25, 2026

James said during his interview with state-owned Pakistan TV that bilateral ties between the two countries were “going to be stronger”, while Zinke remarked that the relationship “has never been better”.

The US representatives paid tribute at Allama Iqbal’s Mausoleum before touring the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, where they were briefed on Pakistan’s history, architecture and enduring civilisational legacy.

Lahore's timeless heritage welcomed a high-level US congressional delegation. US Congressmen Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner paid tribute at Allama Iqbal's Mausoleum before touring the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, where they were briefed on Pakistan's history, architecture… pic.twitter.com/dxOaFuqRDL

— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) July 26, 2026

Baumgartner praised Lahore, saying, “Lahore has been truly impressive. I think every American should come and visit.”

"Lahore has been truly impressive. I think every American should come and visit," says US Congressman Michael Baumgartner, praising the city's history, architecture and development. Speaking to Pakistan TV, Congressman Baumgartner says the US delegation was impressed by Lahore's… pic.twitter.com/26ve8lsWzo

— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) July 26, 2026

He added that the delegation was impressed by the city’s centralised police security system and expressed optimism about discussions on education, tourism, transportation, cultural exchanges, and expanding Pakistan-US cooperation.