Somehow Stop India: Pakistan’s Costly Lobbying Efforts Amid the May 2025 Strikes
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Operation Sindoor: A Diplomatic Scramble
Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian military’s swift actions compelled Pakistan into an urgent diplomatic frenzy. Islamabad sought American intervention to halt intense military operations by New Delhi within its borders. According to a Times of India report, amidst Indian airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructures, Pakistan mobilized a costly lobbying network in Washington, desperate for U.S. support.
Lobbying Blitz After Operation Sindoor
– Dates of Lobbying: Pakistan activated its lobbying efforts from May 7 to May 10, 2025, after Indian jets targeted the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
– Key Contacts: During this four-day span, Pakistani diplomats, including their ambassador and defense attaché, made over 60 contacts with senior U.S. officials and media outlets.
– Legality of Engagements: These details emerged from filings by Squire Patton Boggs, the U.S. lobbying firm that Pakistan engaged, legally required to report its activities to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Urgent Pleas to Somehow Halt Indian Action
Pakistan’s outreach coincided with Operation Sindoor. Records reveal repeated requests to U.S. officials for intervention to “somehow halt” India’s military responses. While Islamabad publicly played down the implications of the Indian strikes, internal filings indicate significant concern at senior levels of Pakistani leadership as operations escalated.
Increased Lobbying Presence After Pahalgam Attack
– New Lobbying Firms: Shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, Pakistan expanded its U.S. lobbying presence. Javelin Advisors LLC was appointed under a formal consulting agreement on April 24, charging $50,000 monthly.
– Focus Areas: This firm’s responsibilities centered on articulating Pakistan’s stance on regional issues, including relations with India and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Broadening the Dialogue: Minerals and Diplomacy
According to NDTV, Pakistan’s lobbying efforts extended beyond security matters. A framework document circulated in May proposed collaboration on rare earth minerals and critical metals. This initiative hinted at a potential commercial value of up to $1 trillion, indicating Islamabad’s intention to pivot discussions towards broader economic prospects.
Involvement of Think Tanks and Subcontractors
Additional disclosures indicate that the Islamabad Policy Research Institute, connected to Pakistan’s National Security Division, invested $900,000 in lobbying and public policy initiatives in the U.S.
From Fighting FATF to Navigating Crisis
Initially, Pakistan engaged Squire Patton Boggs to help maneuver away from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. However, the firm quickly shifted focus to crisis management following the strikes. An email from Paul W. Jones, a former U.S. ambassador, expressed a desire to revive high-level discussions on U.S.-Pakistan relations.
Embassy’s Continued Engagement with New Firms
Another disclosure noted that the Pakistani Embassy in Washington contracted Ervin Graves Strategy Group LLC starting October 1, 2025, at a monthly fee of $25,000. This multi-layered lobbying strategy highlights a comprehensive approach by Pakistan to navigate the complex diplomatic landscape amid Indian military actions.
In conclusion, as Pakistan grappled with the ramifications of Operation Sindoor, its proactive and expensive lobbying campaign in Washington illustrated a desperate bid to somehow stop India’s retaliatory strikes. The outcome of these efforts will shape Pakistan’s diplomatic and military landscape in the region for years to come.