Visiting US congressmen acknowledged Pakistan’s “critical role” in regional stability during a meeting with Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday. According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the CDF met the two members of the US House of Representatives, Ryan Keith Zinke (Montana) and Michael James (Washington), at General Headquarters (GHQ). “Discussions focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security, bilateral defence cooperation and avenues for enhancing economic collaboration and prosperity,” the ISPR statement said. It further noted that the visiting dignitaries acknowledged Pakistan’s “critical role” in regional stability, as well as its economic resilience. CDF Munir highlighted Pakistan’s “vast economic potential” and emphasised that sustainable regional stability was deeply anchored in economic growth, trade expansion and connectivity. According to the statement, he underscored the country’s ongoing structural reforms “aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investment”. “Recognising the professional backgrounds and insights of the delegation, both sides discussed potential opportunities for bilateral economic engagement, private sector partnerships and enhancing bilateral trade ties,” the ISPR added. Thanking the military leadership for the warm hospitality, the delegation expressed its commitment to promoting deeper economic, commercial and institutional linkages between Pakistan and the US, it added. Trips to Islamabad, Lahore Zinke and James arrived in Pakistan last week. During their visit to Islamabad on Saturday, they expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-US relations. Speaking to state-run Pakistan TV, James said bilateral ties between the two countries were “going to be stronger”, while Zinke remarked that the relationship “has never been better”. The two lawmakers toured the Lok Virsa Museum and the Pakistan Monument in the federal capital, the report added. Zinke and James also visited Lahore, where they met with Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and discussed bilateral ties, Pakistan TV reported. During the visit, the delegation toured Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, along with paying tribute at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal. The duo also visited the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, where they were briefed on the smart policing, surveillance and public safety systems. Commenting on their interactions with Punjab authorities, James said, “We are very impressed to see what Lahore was doing with their centralised police security system […] and then hearing what the minister’s plans were for education, tourism, transportation.” Both congressmen also hailed Pakistan’s “constructive” mediation efforts between the US and Iran. Islamabad and Washington have expressed interest in increasing collaboration in areas such as critical minerals, energy development, information technology and emerging economic sectors. Islamabad has also continued to seek greater market access for Pakistani exporters, particularly in sectors with strong potential in the US market. The US is Pakistan’s largest single-country export market, while Pakistan is the second largest importer of US cotton, underscoring the importance of the economic relationship between the two countries.