Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has voiced optimism that the United States will restart the regular processing of immigrant visas in the near future, describing the recent suspension as part of Washington’s internal policy review.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Islamabad viewed the halt in visa processing as a temporary administrative step by the US authorities.
The United States announced on Wednesday that it was suspending immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries starting January 21. According to the US State Department, the move is linked to concerns that immigrants from these countries may become dependent on public welfare programs.
In a brief statement posted on social media, the State Department said the suspension would remain in place until Washington could ensure that new immigrants would not place a financial burden on American taxpayers.
Responding to questions about the development despite improved Pakistan-US relations in recent months, Andrabi said the Foreign Office had taken note of the announcement.
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“It was a short statement issued by the US State Department regarding an internal review of immigrant visa processing,” he said, adding that Pakistan was in contact with US officials to seek further clarification.
He stressed that the matter was still evolving and reiterated Pakistan’s hope that routine visa services would resume once the review process was completed.
“We understand this to be part of an ongoing internal assessment of US immigration policies, and we are hopeful that normal visa processing will restart soon,” the spokesperson said.
The suspension is expected to affect thousands of Pakistanis who apply for US visas each year for purposes such as travel, education and employment. Pakistani consulates in the United States are likely to issue guidance for affected applicants in the coming days.
Officials said the move is tied to the US public-charge rule, which evaluates whether visa applicants are likely to rely on government assistance. While temporary pauses in visa services have occurred before, officials described the scale of this suspension as unprecedented.
No timeline has been announced for lifting the freeze, though the US State Department has said affected countries will be informed once the review is concluded.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Stability in Iran
Addressing the ongoing unrest in Iran and rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, Andrabi said Pakistan was closely monitoring the situation.
He emphasized Iran’s importance to Pakistan as a neighbouring country and a key member of the international community, expressing hope that peace and stability would be restored.
“Pakistan supports all efforts aimed at resolving the situation through peaceful means,” he said. The spokesperson noted that the protests in Iran were largely driven by economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens, which had been worsened by international sanctions.
He expressed hope that the economic relief measures announced by the Iranian government would ease public suffering and improve living conditions. Andrabi said Pakistan remained confident that Iran would overcome its current challenges, adding that a stable and peaceful Iran was in Pakistan’s national interest.
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“We have full confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and their leadership, shaped by their long history, rich culture and resilience,” he said.
He also advised Pakistani citizens to reconsider travel to Iran in light of the Foreign Office’s recent advisory and urged them to exercise extreme caution.
According to Andrabi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, along with embassy staff, is actively working to ensure the safety and well-being of Pakistanis currently in Iran.
