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Pakistan Boosts US Lobbying to Shape Policy on Kashmir, Rare Earths & Relations

Pakistan has significantly increased its lobbying and public relations efforts in the United States, as shown by recent Foreign Agents Registration Act disclosures. Contracts worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars involve firms targeting the US Congress, executive branch, and think tanks on key issues. The lobbying agenda prominently includes communicating Pakistan's positions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Pakistan-India relations to US policymakers. Additional filings reveal a strategic push to promote cooperation on rare earth minerals, with a framework citing a potential $1 trillion commercial value.

Key Points: Pakistan Expands US Lobbying via Think Tanks & PR Firms

  • Multi-million dollar lobbying contracts
  • Targeting US Congress & policy groups
  • Focus on Kashmir dispute & rare earths
  • Required disclosures under US FARA law
3 min read

Pakistan expands US lobbying through think tanks, firms

FARA filings reveal Pakistan's intensified US lobbying, targeting Congress & media on Kashmir, rare earth minerals, and bilateral relations with multi-million dollar contracts.

"The activity involved outreach to the US government aimed at improving US-Pakistan relations. - Hyperfocal Communications LLC FARA Filing"

Washington, Jan 2

Pakistan has stepped up its lobbying and public relations activity in the United States, according to disclosures filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act.

The filings detail contracts and payments running into hundreds of thousands of dollars. They involve the Pakistan government and Pakistan-linked organisations. The outreach targets the US Congress, the executive branch, think tanks, and the media.

One filing shows that the Islamabad Policy Research Institute paid $900,000 for lobbying and public policy outreach in the United States. The institute is a Pakistan-based think tank affiliated with Pakistan's National Security Division.

According to the disclosure, Hyperfocal Communications LLC was registered in October 2024 as a subcontractor to Team Eagle Consulting LLC to perform the work. The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filing states that the activity involved outreach to the US government aimed at improving US-Pakistan relations.

Another filing shows that the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington entered into a contract with Ervin Graves Strategy Group LLC, effective October 1, 2025. The agreement provides for a $25,000 monthly payment for an initial three-month term.

The filing lists outreach to members of Congress and executive branch officials among the planned activities. The scope of work also includes engagement with policy groups and think tanks. It refers to issues such as regional stability, economic development, and democratic reform.

The filing also mentions trade promotion, tourism, and Pakistan's potential for rare-earth minerals.

Separate filings show that Javelin Advisors LLC was registered in April to represent Pakistan under a formal consulting agreement dated April 24. Javelin disclosed a monthly fee of $50,000. The firm said its work included communicating Pakistan's positions on regional and global issues to the US executive branch, Congress, and the public.

The issues listed include the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Pakistan-India relations.

The disclosures are likely to be closely tracked in India, particularly references to lobbying activities aimed at communicating Pakistan's positions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Pakistan-India relations to the US executive branch, Congress, and the public, as outlined in Javelin Advisors' FARA filings.

The filings also reference a framework document circulated in May outlining proposed cooperation between Pakistan and the United States on rare earth minerals and critical metals. The document submitted describes proposed cooperation covering exploration, mining, processing, and integration into global supply chains. It cites an indicative commercial value of up to $1 trillion.

Another filing shows the Embassy of Pakistan hired Qorvis Holding Inc. in May for public relations services. The disclosure lists media outreach and narrative development among the activities.

Under US law, foreign governments and related entities are required to publicly disclose lobbying and public relations arrangements. The filings provide records of contracts, activities, and payments made on their behalf.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who follows US foreign policy, this is standard practice for many nations. The FARA filings make it transparent. What matters is the content of the narrative they're pushing. The "$1 trillion" figure for rare earth minerals seems highly speculative and is likely part of a PR pitch to attract US investment.
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Ananya R
They talk about "democratic reform" and "regional stability" in their lobbying scope? That's rich. 🤨 Our government and think tanks should not just track these disclosures but also counter this narrative with data and ground realities. Public diplomacy is key in today's world.
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Rohit P
$900,000 for one think tank's lobbying... that's taxpayer money that could have been used for education or healthcare in Pakistan. It shows where their priorities lie. India must strengthen its own economic and strategic messaging in Washington. We have a much stronger story to tell on development and democracy.
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Karthik V
While it's easy to be critical, we should also introspect. Are our own outreach efforts to global think tanks and media as coordinated and well-funded? The game of perception matters. We need a robust, fact-based counter-narrative that highlights India's consistent position on Kashmir and its role as a stabilizing force.
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Priyanka N
The focus on rare earth minerals is interesting. It seems they are trying to position themselves as an alternative to China in the supply chain, likely to appeal to US strategic interests. India should accelerate its own critical minerals strategy and partnerships. Actions speak louder than lobbying contracts.

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