US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar reached Islamabad early Wednesday on a four-day visit to Pakistan. Earlier, she has made history as one of the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress. Ms. Omar and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, chosen in 2018, are the first women to represent Muslims in Congress.
Ms. Omar, a Somali-born former refugee, is also the first African-born naturalized citizen in Congress and the first woman of color to represent Minnesota. In the general election, she received 78.0 percent of the vote, the highest percentage received by any female candidate in Minnesota history. She was sworn in using her grandfather’s copy of the Holy Quran.
During her visit, she met renowned personalities of Pakistan. She also met former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan in his residence at Bani Gala. Former PM and Ilhan has talked about Islamophobia & related issues. Furthermore, Ilhan has also appreciated Imran Khan’s struggles against Islamophobia globally. Imran Khan welcomed her fearless & principled stance on issues.
Earlier in the day, the US congresswoman and her delegation met with National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf at Parliament House, according to a press release from the NA Secretariat. During the meeting, the speaker emphasized the importance of Pakistan-US relations for regional development and progress.
The speaker also praised Congresswoman Omar’s struggle and commitment to ensuring the fundamental rights of minorities, women, and children in the United States. He said she represented the struggle and determination that every woman faces in the world.
Ms. Omar, who arrived in Pakistan in the early hours of Wednesday, will remain in the country until April 24. She plans to visit Lahore and Azad Kashmir, as well as meet with the country’s new leadership.