US Congressman Supports Revival of Congressional Pakistani Caucus

US Congressman Tom Suozzi has voiced his support for reviving the Congressional Pakistani Caucus in the US Congress, advocating for increased US investment in Pakistan’s energy sector. He shared these views during a meeting with a delegation of Pakistani-origin Americans who hosted him recently in Long Island, New York. Suozzi, a Democrat representing New York’s Third Congressional District, met with prominent Pakistani-American community members and businesspersons Dr. Shahzad and Dr. Imran, along with other members of the Pakistani-American community.

The discussion focused on Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis, particularly the impact of US sanctions that prevent Islamabad from purchasing gas from Iran. Suozzi was informed that the pipeline, which is the most cost-effective and timely solution to Pakistan’s power crisis, has been stalled for years due to these sanctions. While the infrastructure on both the Iranian and Pakistani sides is mostly complete, a section of the pipeline on the Pakistani side cannot be finished until the US waives its sanctions. If a waiver is granted for five years, the pipeline could provide an immediate solution to Pakistan’s energy crisis, potentially saving Rs500 billion annually.

However, Suozzi viewed the situation differently. “Russia, China, and Iran would be helping them (Pakistan); that is a problem,” he remarked. “America should be helping to get investment into Pakistan. There is so much land that is not even being used, but it should be used for solar power, wind power, and other types of renewable energy.”

Other topics discussed during the meeting included bilateral ties, trade, climate change, and various other issues.

Suozzi also announced his intention to work towards reviving the US Congressional Pakistani Caucus. “I am very excited about working with my friends here in the US and via the Pakistani ambassador to the US and people in the Pakistani government to figure out how we can enhance this relationship that is so longstanding, that has had a lot of very, very positive things and some difficult things as well,” he said. “Let’s figure out how to overcome the difficult parts and work on the positive parts so that we can help our two countries move forward together.”