Islamabad Turns to US Lobbyists as Operation Sindoor Puts Global Spotlight on Pakistan’s Terror Links

Washington: Facing mounting international scrutiny after India’s Operation Sindoor and the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has launched an aggressive lobbying campaign in Washington, signing a $1.2 million (around ₹10 crore) contract with US-based policy and government relations firm Ervin Graves Strategy Group LLC.

Documents filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) reveal that Pakistan entered into the agreement on 1 May 2026, committing to pay the firm $50,000 per month for 24 months, along with an upfront payment of $150,000 for the first three months of services.

The move comes at a time when Islamabad is facing renewed criticism over its alleged links to extremist groups and cross-border terrorism. While Pakistan seeks to market itself in Washington as a partner in counter-terrorism and regional stability, India has repeatedly accused its neighbour of providing safe havens, logistical support and ideological backing to terrorist networks operating in the region.

Under the contract, the lobbying firm has been tasked with cultivating ties with members of the US Congress, congressional staff, and key committees dealing with foreign affairs, defence, trade and budgetary issues. The objective appears to be clear: rebuild Pakistan’s image in influential American policy circles and secure continued political support despite growing international concerns.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Harish Parvathaneni, recently told the UN Security Council that Pakistan continues to shelter and support terrorism, religious extremism and anti-India activities. His remarks reflected New Delhi’s longstanding position that terrorism remains an integral instrument of Pakistan’s state policy.

FARA records further show that after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan dramatically increased its outreach efforts, arranging dozens of interactions with American lawmakers, defence analysts, Treasury officials, national security experts and journalists. In May 2025 alone, nearly 60 lobbying contacts were recorded within a matter of days.

Analysts say the lobbying surge is a direct response to India’s operations against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), which placed Islamabad under uncomfortable international scrutiny. According to observers, Pakistan is now attempting to counter diplomatic pressure by investing heavily in influence-building efforts in Washington.

The agreement also directs the lobbying firm to strengthen the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and expand engagement with influential congressional groups. It further envisages regular contact with the US Departments of State, Defence, Commerce, Agriculture, Energy and Treasury, as well as the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

Experts believe Pakistan’s latest lobbying push reflects a broader effort to regain strategic relevance in Washington at a time when shifting geopolitical realities and persistent concerns over terrorism have weakened its standing on the global stage.