Islamabad: Pakistan has formally engaged with United States officials regarding the indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing, expressing hope that the process will resume soon, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday.
The development follows a decision by the US State Department to pause immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan, starting January 21, 2026.
According to a statement shared by the US State Department on X, the suspension applies to countries whose migrants are believed to rely on public welfare at what Washington terms “unacceptable rates.” The freeze will remain in place until a review of immigration procedures is completed.
Briefing the media in Islamabad, Andrabi said Pakistan had noted the US State Department’s statement and described the move as part of an internal review process.
“We are in touch with US authorities to ascertain further details. This is an evolving situation, and we hope that routine immigrant visa processing will resume soon,” he said.
Pakistan Monitoring US-Iran Tensions
Addressing regional developments, the spokesperson said Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, stressing the importance of peace and stability in the neighboring country.
“Iran is our neighbor and an important member of the international community. Pakistan hopes peace and stability will prevail,” he said, reaffirming Islamabad’s support for a peaceful resolution of tensions.
India’s Drone Allegations Rejected
The Foreign Office also strongly rejected allegations made by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who accused Pakistan of drone intrusions along the border.
Andrabi termed the claims baseless, politically motivated, and misleading, adding that such rhetoric damages India’s own credibility.
“There is undeniable evidence of India’s financing and facilitation of terrorism in Pakistan,” he said, pointing to the existence of India-backed militant networks in the region, including Afghanistan.