Thu Jan 08 02:53:07 UTC 2026: ### Pakistan’s Lobbying Efforts in US Exposed Amid Economic Crisis and Operation Sindoor

The Story:
Facing a severe economic crisis and under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, Pakistan spent millions of dollars lobbying in Washington, D.C., to influence U.S. policy amid India’s military actions during Operation Sindoor in May 2026. Newly released U.S. government filings under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) reveal the extent of Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, including contracts and payments to various firms aimed at reaching the U.S. Congress, executive branch, think tanks, and media. This lobbying push followed a terror attack in April 2026 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed.

Key Points:

  • Pakistan engaged Javelin Advisors LLC in April 2026 for $50,000 per month to communicate its positions on regional issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Pakistan-India relations.
  • A framework document proposed cooperation between Pakistan and the United States on rare earth minerals, with an indicative commercial value of up to $1 trillion.
  • The Embassy of Pakistan hired Qorvis Holding Inc. in May 2026 for public relations services, focusing on media outreach and narrative development.
  • The Islamabad Policy Research Institute, a Pakistan-based think tank, spent $900,000 on lobbying and public policy outreach in the United States through Hyperfocal Communications LLC.
  • The Embassy of Pakistan entered into a contract with Ervin Graves Strategy Group LLC in October 2025 for $25,000 per month, targeting members of Congress and executive branch officials.
  • Pakistan is currently under a $7 billion IMF program.

Critical Analysis:
N/A

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan’s significant investment in U.S. lobbying highlights its concern over its international image and potential repercussions following events like Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam attack.
  • The timing of the lobbying efforts, immediately following the Pahalgam terror attack and during Operation Sindoor, suggests a reactive strategy aimed at mitigating damage and influencing U.S. perceptions.
  • The proposed cooperation on rare earth minerals indicates an attempt to leverage Pakistan’s potential resources to strengthen its relationship with the United States and gain economic advantages.
  • The disclosures reinforce India’s stance that counter-terrorism efforts require concrete actions rather than political pressure and lobbying.
  • Pakistan’s reliance on lobbying underscores its vulnerabilities and dependence on external support amid its economic crisis.

Impact Analysis:
N/A

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