Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday refuted reports of him attending an event deemed “anti-China” during his visit to the United States.
His clarification comes after several social media posts, as well as a report from local and Indian media, claimed that Naqvi attended an event organized by a lobby group campaigning against the neighboring ruling Chinese Communist Party.
Pakistan has maintained strong bilateral relations with China, supporting it through many investments and development projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which was called a “lifeline” for the country’s economy.
Responding to questions from journalists in Houston, Naqvi called the reports “propaganda.” He stated: “I have neither attended nor gone to any kind of anti-Chinese state event.”
The minister acknowledged that he attended an event organized by Gunster Strategies Worldwide, a public relations firm in the United States, which was “connected as anti-China.”
“They can do as much propaganda as they want. “It doesn’t matter,” Naqvi joked, reiterating his clarification that he did not attend “any anti-China functions.”
The Minister of the Interior has been on a visit to the United States this week, where he has participated in several events and held important meetings, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
US lawmakers incited against Pakistan: Naqvi
While Naqvi called his meetings with members of the US Congress positive, he said members of the US House of Representatives were being incited against state-administered Pakistan. Radio Pakistan reported.
The minister said the policy should not go to the extent that it starts “harming Pakistan”.
His statement comes days after a handful of U.S. lawmakers and rights activists urged the new Congress to take a stand against military trials of civilians in Pakistan, and to advocate for the reversal of undemocratic measures that They go to the PTI.
Naqvi said his visit to the United States was aimed at formulating an effective counter-terrorism strategy with the coordination of American politicians.
The home minister made it clear that anyone holding weapons against Pakistan would be dealt with with iron hands. Naqvi stressed that terrorism was not just Pakistan’s fight but a common war.
Pakistan and the United States have delicate and complex ties, shaped by shared security concerns and divergent strategic priorities. During his interactions in the United States, Naqvi expressed hope that President Donald Trump’s term will bring new dimensions to relations between the two countries.
On Tuesday, Naqvi attended a special dinner reception at Lincoln Liberty Hall in Washington, where he met with U.S. senators, members of Congress and prominent figures, Application reported.
The next day, the Minister had met US Congressmen Thomas Richard Suozzi and Jack Bergman, where they discussed Strengthening Pakistan-US ties.
According ApplicationNaqvi also held meetings with US Congressmen Joe Wilson and Rob Bresnahan, during which they discussed lasting peace in the region, particularly the situation in Afghanistan.
On Friday, the minister attended a dinner reception hosted by US Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Maxine Waters.
