Mazaj News (Web Desk) Pakistan on Thursday said it hoped the United States would resume immigrant visa services in the near future, describing the recent halt as part of a domestic policy review by Washington.
On Wednesday, the US announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries, effective January 21. The move was justified on the grounds that immigrants from these states were more likely to depend on public welfare programmes.
In a statement, the US State Department said the suspension would remain in place until it could ensure that incoming immigrants would not place a financial burden on American taxpayers.
Responding to questions about the decision despite recent improvements in bilateral ties, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said he had seen the reports regarding the issue.
He explained that the announcement appeared to be a brief message posted on the State Department’s social media platforms, referring to an internal review of immigrant visa processing.
“We are in contact with US authorities to obtain further clarification. This is a developing situation that we are monitoring closely,” he said.
Andrabi added that Pakistan understood the move to be part of an internal assessment of US immigration policies and procedures, and expressed optimism that normal visa processing would restart soon.
The suspension is expected to disrupt travel, education and employment plans for thousands of Pakistanis who apply for US visas each year. Pakistani diplomatic missions in the United States are likely to issue guidance to affected individuals in the coming days.
The freeze is linked to the US public-charge rule, which assesses whether prospective immigrants may rely on government assistance. While temporary visa service disruptions have occurred before, officials have described the breadth of this measure as unprecedented.
No specific timeframe has been announced for lifting the suspension, though the State Department said countries would be informed once the review concludes.
‘Confidence in the Iranian people and their leadership’
Commenting on the unrest in Iran and escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, the FO spokesperson said Pakistan was closely monitoring the situation.
He noted that Iran holds significant importance for Pakistan as a neighbouring state and a key member of the international community.
Pakistan hopes for the restoration of peace and stability in Iran and reiterates its support for initiatives aimed at resolving the situation through peaceful means, Andrabi said.
He observed that the protests in Iran were sparked by economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens, which have been intensified by international sanctions.
Andrabi expressed hope that the relief measures announced by the Iranian government for traders and the public would ease the difficulties confronting the population, and conveyed Pakistan’s best wishes in that regard.
He said Pakistan was confident that Iran would successfully navigate the current challenges and emerge stronger, adding that stability in Iran was in Pakistan’s own interest.
“We have full faith in the wisdom of the Iranian people and their leadership — a wisdom shaped by their rich culture, ancient civilisation, long history and resilience in the face of adversity,” he remarked.
The spokesperson also advised Pakistani nationals to reconsider travel to Iran, urging them to follow the Foreign Office’s latest travel advisory and exercise extreme caution.
He added that Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, along with his team, was working actively to ensure the welfare of Pakistanis currently in the country.
Pakistan rejects Indian army chief’s claims
Reacting to remarks made by Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, who claimed that several militant camps remained active along the Line of Control and the international border following India’s May 2025 strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan dismissed the allegations.
Gen Dwivedi was quoted by the Times of India as saying that India would respond to any hostile actions.
In response, the FO spokesperson said Pakistan “categorically rejects” what he described as unfounded accusations regarding the existence of so-called terrorist camps.
He labelled the claims as repetitive, routine and detached from reality.
Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism, Andrabi said the country’s significant sacrifices in combating extremism were widely acknowledged at the international level.
Pakistan, he added, continues to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability both within the region and beyond.