By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan voiced optimism on Thursday that the United States would swiftly lift its suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from the country, describing the move as an internal American policy review amid broader efforts to ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient.
The announcement from Washington, which takes effect on Jan. 21, halts the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of Pakistan and 74 other countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Russia and Brazil. The State Department cited concerns that immigrants from these nations frequently depend on public welfare programs, stating in a post on X that the freeze would persist “until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”
Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi, addressing reporters at a weekly briefing, said Pakistan had noted the brief statement from the State Department and was seeking more information from American officials. “We are in touch with the US authorities to ascertain further details,” he said. “This is an evolving news that we are following. We understand that this is an internal ongoing process of review of US immigration policies and system, and hope that the routine processing of immigrant visas will resume soon.”
The pause follows a comprehensive review ordered by President Donald Trump to prevent immigrants from becoming a “public charge,” according to the department. It does not revoke existing visas or affect non-immigrant categories like tourist permits. Applicants may still submit forms and attend interviews, but no new immigrant visas will be issued during the suspension. Dual nationals using passports from unaffected countries are exempt, and exceptions may apply if travel serves an “America First” national interest, though the criteria remain undefined. The measure could disrupt plans for thousands of Pakistanis who apply annually for opportunities to study, work or join family in the United States. Consular offices are expected to offer guidance soon, but no resumption timeline has been provided.
The visa halt arrives even as relations between Islamabad and Washington have warmed in recent months, a point Andrabi acknowledged when pressed on the apparent contradiction.
Separately, Andrabi addressed the escalating unrest in Iran, where protests over economic hardships have intensified amid tensions with the United States. Pakistan, he said, was monitoring the situation closely, given Iran’s status as a neighbour and key player on the global stage. “We attach great importance to Iran, both as a neighbouring country and as an important player of the international community and an important member of the global fraternity.”
He attributed the demonstrations to financial strains worsened by international sanctions and expressed hope that Tehran’s relief measures for citizens and traders would ease the burdens. “Pakistan hopes that peace and stability will prevail, and we reaffirm our support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the situation,” Andrabi said. “We have full confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and their leadership — a wisdom rooted in their rich culture, ancient civilisation, history and resilience to address all the challenges confronting them.”
The spokesman urged Pakistanis to heed a recent travel advisory, reconsidering trips to Iran and exercising extreme caution. The Pakistani ambassador in Tehran, Mudassir Tipu, and his staff were ensuring the welfare of nationals there, Andrabi said.
In another rebuke to New Delhi, the spokesman dismissed allegations from India’s army chief, Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, who claimed this week that at least six terror camps remained active across the Line of Control and two along the international border, following Indian strikes in May 2025 under Operation Sindoor. General Dwivedi also accused Pakistan of drone intrusions, telling reporters that eight such sightings had occurred since Saturday and warning that India would respond to any threats.
“Pakistan, of course, strongly rejects the baseless allegations by the Indian army chief regarding the presence of so-called terrorist camps,” Andrabi said, calling the claims “cliched, habitual and somewhat delusional.” He emphasised Pakistan’s recognised sacrifices in fighting terrorism and accused India of undermining its own credibility with such rhetoric. “There is undeniable evidence of India’s financing and facilitation of terrorism in Pakistan, and India-backed terrorist networks have been identified in the region, including Afghanistan,” Andrabi added. “Pakistan continues to promote peace regionally and beyond.”
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