US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar meets Imran

US lawmaker also meets with NA Speaker Raja Pervaiz Asharaf

ISLAMABAD:

United States Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called on former prime minister Imran Khan at his Bani Gala residence on Wednesday.

According to a tweet by former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, the two discussed Islamophobia and other issues during the meeting.

The US lawmaker "expressed her admiration for Imran Khan and his position on and work against Islamophobia globally," Mazari said. The ousted premier also appreciated Omar's courageous principled stance on issues.

US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called on Chairman PTI in Bani Gala. They discussed Islamophobia & related issues. @Ilhan expressed her admiration for @ImranKhanPTI & his position on & work against Islamophobia globally. IK appreciated her courageous & principled position on issues. pic.twitter.com/m3kPa2poYx

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) April 20, 2022

 

Meeting with NA speaker

The US congresswoman also met National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf at the Parliament House earlier today. Ashraf, during the meeting, stressed that relations between Pakistan and USA are vital for regional progress and development.

"Enhancing Parliament to Parliament contacts would strengthen these relations between both countries," stated a press release from the NA Secretariate quoting Ashraf.

"Both countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations and he expressed his desire to strengthen these ties for promoting mutual interests."

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The speaker also appreciated the struggle and commitment of Congresswoman Omar to ensuring the fundamental rights of minorities, women and children in the US. He said that she symbolized the struggle and resolve that every woman has in the world.

Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf met with U.S Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at Parliament House, earlier today. @Ilhan @NAofPakistan @usembislamabad pic.twitter.com/5vito4Fpbl

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) April 20, 2022

The visit of a US Congress delegation would pave way for strengthening ties between both countries, the press release further quoted the speaker.

While mentioning the Women Parliamentary Caucus and Young Parliamentary Forum in Parliament of Pakistan, Ashraf said that these were supporting parliament in pro-women legislative functions proactively.

Furthermore, the NA speaker also highlighted blatant human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during the meeting.

"The world community needs to take cognizant of this severe issue as the Indian government is violating all basic norms of humanity in IIOJK," he said adding that Pakistan was committed to eliminating terrorism from its soil and it always desires for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan as its neighbour.

The press release added that Omar appreciated the warm welcome she received upon her arrival in Pakistan.

"USA values high its ties with Pakistan as both countries had been partners in progress since last seven decades," she said. "USA would continue to support Pakistan, especially in the fields of education, health and women empowerment."

The US delegation also appreciated the rich landscape beauty of Pakistan as they visited Azad Jammu & Kashmir.