ISLAMABAD: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasir has underlined the need for stronger parliamentary diplomacy, deeper international economic engagement and greater support for small and medium enterprises, describing these areas as essential for Pakistan’s diplomatic influence, economic stability and long-term development.
In two important engagements in Islamabad, the Deputy Chairman highlighted Pakistan’s desire to transform its relationship with the United States into a sustainable and institutional partnership while also calling for greater opportunities for young people, women entrepreneurs and small businesses at home.
During a meeting with US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie A. Baker, Syedaal Khan Nasir stressed that Pakistan-US relations should move beyond periodic engagements and develop into a broad-based partnership involving parliaments, governments, business communities, civil society and the peoples of both countries.
He said Pakistan and the United States already possess a strong foundation of mutual respect, shared interests and decades of cooperation. This relationship, he observed, could be further strengthened through sustained political, parliamentary and diplomatic interaction based on mutual trust and respect.
A major focus of the meeting was the proposal to establish a permanent Inter-Parliamentary Group between the Parliament of Pakistan and the US Congress. The Deputy Chairman said parliamentary diplomacy could serve as an effective bridge between the two countries and provide greater continuity to bilateral relations.
He stressed that such a forum should not merely facilitate ceremonial meetings or occasional delegation exchanges. Instead, it should provide a structured mechanism for regular dialogue, policy exchanges, sharing parliamentary experiences and ensuring effective follow-up on issues of common interest.
Regional security also figured prominently in the discussions. The Deputy Chairman described terrorism as a shared challenge requiring continued cooperation and exchange of experiences between Pakistan and the United States. He recalled Pakistan’s extraordinary sacrifices in combating terrorism and particularly acknowledged the heavy price paid by the people of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the struggle for peace.
Discussing Afghanistan, Syedaal Khan Nasir said lasting peace and stability in the neighbouring country remained in the interest not only of Pakistan but of the entire region. A peaceful Afghanistan, he said, could open new avenues for trade, economic development and regional connectivity while improving prospects for stability across the wider region.
He reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support for dialogue, diplomacy and restraint in dealing with regional tensions, saying Islamabad would continue supporting de-escalation and dignified political solutions to disputes.
Economic cooperation, he maintained, should become a central pillar of Pakistan-US relations. Greater American investment in Pakistan, improved access for Pakistani products to the US market, technology transfer, innovation and closer private-sector cooperation could give bilateral ties a stronger and mutually beneficial economic foundation.
The Deputy Chairman also highlighted the Pakistani-American community as an important bridge capable of strengthening educational, economic, political and social connections between the two countries.
The US Deputy Chief of Mission acknowledged the importance of parliamentary engagement and supported efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and people-to-people contacts. Both sides agreed to maintain sustained engagement and work towards making cooperation more practical and result-oriented.
The Deputy Chairman’s emphasis on economic diplomacy was also reflected in his address as chief guest at the International SMEs Excellence Awards 2026, organised by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries in Islamabad.
Addressing entrepreneurs and representatives of the business community, Syedaal Khan Nasir described small and medium enterprises as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. He said empowering young people and women through entrepreneurship, affordable finance, technology, training and access to international markets was indispensable for sustainable economic growth.
He noted that approximately 7.14 million micro, small and medium enterprises were operating in Pakistan, demonstrating the enormous importance of the sector for employment and economic activity.
“Strengthening a small business means strengthening a family, a community and ultimately the economic future of the country,” he said, stressing that Pakistan needed young people who could become job creators rather than remaining solely job seekers.
He said Pakistan’s youth represented its greatest asset, but education alone would not be sufficient to unlock their potential. Young entrepreneurs required skills, financing, technology, professional guidance and access to markets to transform innovative ideas into successful companies and internationally recognised brands.
Access to affordable finance, he observed, remained among the biggest obstacles facing SMEs. He welcomed government initiatives aimed at improving SME financing and financial inclusion, including measures envisaged under the 2026-28 Access to Finance Plan.
The Deputy Chairman placed particular emphasis on women entrepreneurs, arguing that Pakistan could not achieve its full economic potential without greater participation by women. Improved financing, training, digital platforms and access to domestic and international markets could enable more women to establish and expand successful businesses.
He also encouraged Pakistani SMEs to look beyond domestic markets and take advantage of e-commerce, digital marketing and modern technology. Integration into global value chains, he said, could generate foreign exchange, create employment and provide new opportunities for economic expansion.
Syedaal Khan Nasir said Parliament’s responsibility extended beyond legislation to creating policies and legal frameworks that facilitate business activity, encourage investment and reduce unnecessary barriers. Predictable policies, transparency and an enabling business environment were essential for building a strong economic foundation.
Congratulating recipients of the International SMEs Excellence Awards 2026, he said recognition should inspire entrepreneurs to pursue greater innovation and national responsibility.
Bringing together his messages on foreign relations and domestic economic development, the Deputy Chairman presented parliamentary engagement, economic diplomacy, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment as interconnected elements of Pakistan’s future.
His message was clear: stronger international partnerships can expand Pakistan’s economic opportunities, while stronger SMEs, an empowered business community and enterprising young people can provide the domestic foundation required for a stronger Pakistan.
