Washington DC: Pakistan, bruised by strikes during Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack, has stepped up lobbying in Washington. FARA filings show Islamabad on May 1 signed a roughly $1.2 million, two‑year contract with US firm Ervin Graves Strategy Group LLC, paying a $50,000 monthly retainer and a $150,000 upfront fee for the first three months, ANI reported.
The engagement aims to bolster Pakistan’s influence across US policymaking circles through government-relations work, policy advice and legislative monitoring.
Targeting Congress & Administration
Under the terms, Ervin Graves will lobby members of Congress and staff, focusing on foreign affairs, defence, trade and appropriations committees. The firm will work to strengthen the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and stay engaged with its leaders, while also contacting the Black, Hispanic and Asian Pacific American caucuses to build broader bipartisan support for Pakistan’s agenda.
The contract extends beyond Capitol Hill, outlining structured engagement with senior officials across multiple US executive departments: State, Defence, Commerce, Agriculture, Treasury and Energy, as well as the Office of the US Trade Representative. The stated objective is to “position Pakistan as a reliable partner in counterterrorism and regional stability” while advancing Islamabad’s diplomatic, economic and strategic interests in the United States.
Post-Op Sindoor Lobbying Surge
The filing follows a previous lobbying push after India’s Operation Sindoor, which responded to the Pahalgam terror attack. FARA records from May 6–9, 2025, show Pakistan held nearly 60 meetings with US lawmakers, aides, defence and Treasury officials, national security advisers and journalists to protect its standing with bodies like the Financial Action Task Force.
India Flags Terror Ties At UN
Pakistan’s outreach comes amid intensified diplomatic criticism from India. At the UN Security Council on May 27, India’s ambassador Harish Parvathaneni told Pakistan to “accept that there are consequences to its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism,” and added: “Pakistan’s harnessing of the malevolent forces of terrorism, religious extremism, violent radicalism, and anti-India rhetoric has continued unabated since its creation.” India’s remarks reinforce its diplomatic campaign as Pakistan seeks to reshape its image and lobby Washington.
