US lobbying documents indicate Pakistan carried out an intensive diplomatic outreach in Washington during Operation Sindoor, challenging claims by Asim Munir that India had requested US mediation for a ceasefire. The filings suggest Islamabad maintained frequent contact with American lawmakers, defence officials, and media representatives, while India concentrated on condemning terrorism and did not engage in similar lobbying efforts. Asim Munir had recently stated that India approached the United States seeking mediation during the May 2025 escalation. However, records filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act appear to contradict this assertion.

According to the documents, Pakistan conducted around sixty lobbying engagements in Washington between 6 and 9 May 2025. These interactions involved congressional offices, defence and treasury officials, national security advisers, and journalists. The timing coincided with India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of twenty-six civilians, including twenty-five Indians and one Nepali.

The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that its forces carried out precise strikes on nine terror-related sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It emphasised that Pakistani military infrastructure was not targeted and described the operation as controlled and non-escalatory.

Pakistan’s lobbying efforts reportedly included repeated requests for meetings with its ambassador and outreach to influential US political figures, including members of key congressional committees and senior party leaders’ staff. By 9 May, activity had increased significantly, particularly in defence and security circles, with additional contact involving Pakistan’s defence attaché. The records also show engagement with several senior US senators and representatives, as well as coordination with a US-based journalist, suggesting an effort to influence public and policy narratives.

Pakistan is also reported to have spent approximately ₹45 crore hiring multiple US lobbying firms, including Sidley Law LLP, to gain access to decision-makers and advocate for an end to India’s military actions. Separately, it also sought US support to retain its Financial Action Task Force whitelist status ahead of an upcoming review. During the same period, Pakistan escalated militarily by deploying drone attacks on Indian bases, while India responded with strikes on several Pakistani air force installations, including Nur Khan, Shahbaz, Sargodha, and Rahim Yar Khan.

The eventual halt in hostilities reportedly followed communication through military hotlines between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations. India maintains that no external mediation was involved in reaching the ceasefire, contradicting claims of third-party intervention. Operation Sindoor itself remains ongoing in terms of policy posture, even though its active combat phase lasted 88 hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that future terror attacks would be treated as acts of war, describing this as a new strategic doctrine during a parliamentary address.