Pakistan hires US lobbying firm to advance strategic interests in Washington amid Iran war diplomacy

Pakistan has hired a U.S. lobbying firm led by former Republican Rep. Tom Graves in a two-year contract aimed at advancing Islamabad’s diplomatic, economic and strategic interests in Washington.The Pakistani embassy in Washington signed a two-year agreement with Irving Graves Strategic Group earlier this month, according to documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice. According to news agency PTI, the company will receive $50,000 per month under the contract to support Pakistan’s outreach efforts in the United States.The agreement requires the company to engage with the U.S. Congress, executive branch agencies, policy agencies, industry stakeholders and “other relevant actors in the Washington policy environment.”One of the lobbying group’s responsibilities is to monitor legislative and policy developments that could affect Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally of the United States. It will also track issues related to sanctions, human rights and security assistance that may have an impact on Islamabad.The firm is also responsible for expanding Pakistan’s engagement with the editorial boards and opinion departments of major media organizations and identifying policy voices, including legislators, think tank experts and academics, who can help reinforce Pakistan’s strategic importance.The agreement also calls for organizing receptions, roundtables and closed-door policy discussions at the Pakistani embassy in Washington, with the participation of U.S. lawmakers, government officials and Pakistani representatives.The lobbying firm will coordinate visits to Pakistan by members of Congress and congressional staff and provide briefings ahead of the visits. It has also been asked to facilitate the participation of lawmakers and congressional staff in events hosted by Pakistan’s ambassador, including diplomatic and policy gatherings.In addition, the company will conduct outreach to members of Congress who serve on committees responsible for Foreign Affairs, Defense, Trade, Appropriations and National Security, as well as provide strategic support aimed at increasing membership and participation in the Congressional Pakistan Caucus.The move comes amid diplomatic efforts by Pakistan to position itself as a mediator in talks between Tehran and Washington in the U.S.-Iran conflict, which has entered its fourth month and remains locked in a fragile ceasefire. However, a congressional report in March noted that more than a dozen terror groups continued to operate in Pakistan despite years of military operations.