New Delhi. The discussion has once again intensified regarding Pakistan’s active lobbying in Washington, the center of power and policy making of America. Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev, citing public documents of the American Foreign Agents Registration Act or FARA, has claimed that Pakistan is spending an average of nine lakh dollars, or about Rs 8.5 crore, every month to increase its influence in America. This revelation has come at a time when Pakistan is facing many diplomatic and security challenges and is trying to strengthen its position on international forums.
According to FARA documents, Pakistan’s annual lobbying expenditure has reached approximately between 1 to 12 million dollars. This amount is being spent to gain access to American political corridors, government agencies and influential policy makers. Experts believe that it is not unusual for any country to hire the services of lobbying firms, but the expenditure being incurred by Pakistan is considered to be quite huge considering its current circumstances.
According to Robinder Sachdev, Pakistan has hired several professional lobbying firms on contract to have direct access to US officials. The report claims that a firm is being given 50 thousand dollars every month to establish contacts at the level associated with the US Home Department. At the same time, another company handling issues related to trade and economic matters is being paid about two and a half lakh dollars per month.
The most discussion is about the contract which has been extended recently. It is reported that earlier 25 thousand dollars were paid monthly to a lobbying firm, but now a big agreement of about 12 lakh dollars has been made with it. Analysts believe that this step reflects Pakistan’s growing diplomatic restlessness and efforts to garner international support.
The report also said that this campaign being run by Pakistan presents a different picture from the claims which were made by the Pakistani leadership in recent months. In particular, the statements of Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are being mentioned in which he made claims related to American mediation during the tension between India and Pakistan.
Based on FARA documents and available records, it has also been claimed that Pakistan had intensified its outreach campaign in Washington during Operation Sindoor launched by India after the Pahalgam terror attack in May 2025. According to the report, between May 6 and 9, Pakistani representatives and agents held dozens of emergency meetings with officials associated with the US Parliament, Pentagon and Treasury Department. The objective of these meetings was said to be to present Pakistan’s position effectively and to convey its views to American policy makers.
Lobbying is considered a normal process in international politics, but the information regarding Pakistan’s alleged expenses and activities has once again raised the question to what extent countries are investing resources to maintain influence on global forums. In the times to come, Pakistan’s official reaction to these revelations and the reaction of international circles will also be important.
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