ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has initiated formal contact with United States officials after Washington suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from several countries, including Pakistan. The Foreign Office confirmed the development on Thursday, saying it is actively engaging with relevant US authorities to seek clarification and support the early restoration of routine visa processing.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi addressed the issue during a weekly press briefing in Islamabad. He said Pakistan has taken note of the US State Department’s announcement and is monitoring the situation closely.
Moreover, he expressed hope that the suspension would prove temporary and that normal procedures would resume once the internal review concludes.
The US State Department announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. Officials in Washington described the decision as part of an internal policy review focused on reassessing immigration rules, including matters related to welfare usage.
Consequently, the announcement triggered concern among prospective applicants and their families across affected countries.
Andrabi said Pakistan views the review as an internal policy matter of the US government. However, he added that Islamabad remains in contact with American authorities to better understand the scope and implications of the decision. He reiterated that Pakistan expects the United States to restore standard visa processing once the review process ends.
Pakistan reiterates commitment to regional peace
During the same briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson also commented on regional developments, particularly the evolving situation in Iran. He said Pakistan is closely monitoring events and continues to emphasize the importance of a peaceful and diplomatic resolution.
Andrabi reaffirmed that Pakistan supports dialogue and non-violent approaches to resolve conflicts in the region. Furthermore, he said the country remains committed to promoting stability and cooperation with neighboring states. He added that Pakistan hopes Iran will overcome its current challenges through peaceful means and emerge stronger.
The Foreign Office stressed that Pakistan will continue to engage diplomatically with international partners, including the United States, to protect the interests of its citizens while advocating for stability and cooperation at the regional and global levels.
