US congresswoman Ilhan Omar meets PM Shehbaz in maiden visit

Member of the US House of Representatives Ilhan Omar on Wednesday met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on her maiden visit to Pakistan, an official statement said.

Appreciating her courage of convictions and her political struggle, the prime minister warmly welcomed her on her first-ever visit to Pakistan. He hoped that it would lead to deepen people-to-people ties and strengthen exchanges between the Parliament of Pakistan and the US Congress.

PM Shehbaz underscored that Pakistan valued its long-standing relationship with the United States and wanted to further deepen bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect, trust, and equality.

He highlighted that constructive engagement between the two countries could help promote peace, security and development in the region.

Read more: US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar meets Imran

During the meeting, the statement added, matters of mutual interest including Pakistan-US bilateral relations as well as regional situation were discussed.

Maintaining that the US was Pakistan’s largest trading partner, the premier emphasised the need to further enhance cooperation between the two countries, especially in the trade and investment fields.

The prime minister lauded the efforts of the Pakistani diaspora in reinforcing the Pakistan-US ties and added that Pakistan deeply valued their contribution to national development and growth.

He highlighted the serious human rights situation in IIOJK and stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, enabling the region to realise its economic potential and promote social progress. The prime minister emphasised that a peaceful and stable South Asian region can focus on its growth and development.

Shehbaz emphasised that concerted efforts, at the global level, were needed to deal with the scourge of Islamophobia.

Read More: Thousands form human chain hailing UN designation of March 15 as anti-Islamophobia day

On the occasion, the congresswoman thanked the premier and hoped that her visit to Pakistan would help strengthen ties between Pakistan and the US Congress.

Omar is visiting Pakistan from April 20-24. Apart from having meetings with leadership in Islamabad, she will visit Lahore and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to have a greater understanding of Pakistan’s cultural, social, political, and economic potential.

Earlier in the day, Ilhan Omar called on former prime minister Imran Khan at his Bani Gala residence. 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.