Islamabad, The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a high-level discussion with a visiting United States Congressional delegation in what marked the first-ever visit by members of the U.S. Congress to the institute.

The delegation comprised Congressman Ryan Zinke, Congressman Michael Baumgartner, Graham Gunter, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Ryan Zinke, and Harris Cull, Legislative Aide to Rep. Michael Baumgartner. They were received by Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, and Director General ISSI, Ambassador Moin ul Haque.

During the session, Director General Ambassador Moin ul Haque briefed the delegation on ISSI’s role as Pakistan’s premier foreign policy think tank and highlighted its research and policy work. He also expressed the institute’s desire to establish stronger institutional linkages with the U.S. Congress and leading American think tanks to promote dialogue and policy cooperation.

The discussions covered a wide range of issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on Pakistan–United States relations. Participants exchanged views on expanding economic cooperation, strengthening educational and cultural exchanges, and addressing broader geopolitical developments in the region.

The meeting also brought together several distinguished former Pakistani diplomats, including Ambassador Masood Khalid, former Ambassador to China; Ambassador Masood Khan, former Ambassador to the United States; Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, former Foreign Secretary and former Ambassador to the United States; and Ambassador Asif Durrani, former Special Representative to Afghanistan and former Ambassador to Iran.

The interaction underscored the shared interest of both sides in promoting sustained dialogue, enhancing institutional cooperation, and strengthening Pakistan–U.S. engagement on regional and international issues.