Story perspectives

Pakistan Outspends India in U.S. Lobbying Over Kashmir

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. documents show Pakistan conducted lobbying in Washington over India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Following a Pakistan-sponsored attack in Pahalgam, Pakistani diplomats sought over 50 U.S. meetings to halt India's response.
The campaign operated under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and covered Kashmir and regional security.
Pakistan's lobbying spend surpassed India's, with contracts worth approximately $5 million annually signed with multiple firms, as Pakistan faced rising conflict-related deaths.

History

Historical Context

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) was enacted in 1938 to combat foreign influence, particularly Nazi propaganda. Since then, countries like Pakistan have utilized FARA to lobby U.S. policymakers, spending over $5 million annually. This ongoing foreign lobbying reflects broader geopolitical tensions in South Asia, especially regarding Kashmir, and continues to shape U.S. foreign policy and regional security dynamics.

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Story summary

U.S. documents show Pakistan conducted lobbying in Washington over India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Following a Pakistan-sponsored attack in Pahalgam, Pakistani diplomats sought over 50 U.S. meetings to halt India's response.
The campaign operated under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and covered Kashmir and regional security.
Pakistan's lobbying spend surpassed India's, with contracts worth approximately $5 million annually signed with multiple firms, as Pakistan faced rising conflict-related deaths.

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