A delegation of American lawmakers, led by Republican Congressman Jack Bergman, recently visited Pakistan and met with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. This visit marks the second high-profile American delegation to Islamabad in April alone, following a previous trip led by State Department official Eric Meyer.
The three-member congressional team, which included Congressmen Thomas Suozzi and Jonathan Jackson, discussed regional security, defense cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts with the Pakistani military leadership.
While Pakistan’s military PR wing (ISPR) stated that the meeting focused on mutual respect, shared strategic interests, and long-term bilateral ties, public response on social media has been less welcoming — especially from supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
PTI supporters questioned the American lawmakers’ sincerity, especially recalling past statements where Bergman and others publicly demanded Imran Khan’s release from prison. Critics accused them of breaking promises and turning a blind eye to alleged human rights abuses under Pakistan’s military leadership.
Back in October 2024, several US lawmakers had written to President Biden, condemning Khan’s imprisonment and raising concerns over Pakistan’s democratic decline. Yet this recent meeting with the army chief — the same figure those letters criticized — sparked anger and disappointment among PTI loyalists.
Some users posted screenshots of Jack Bergman’s old tweets, asking why he smiled for photos with General Munir while failing to even request a meeting with Khan. Others demanded that the visiting delegation meet Khan in Adiala Jail and hear his side before issuing political judgments.
Meanwhile, ISPR claimed that the American visitors appreciated Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and showed commitment to strengthening economic and security ties. A memorandum was also signed for cooperation in the IT sector.
Still, the tension is palpable. Many Pakistanis see these visits as diplomatic double standards — engaging with the military establishment while ignoring the democratic crisis the country is facing.