Islamabad says it is in contact with Washington as Trump administration considers suspending visa processing
Weekly press briefing by the spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad, source: screenshot
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan said Thursday it was in contact with U.S. authorities and closely monitoring the situation after reports emerged that Washington was considering suspending visa processing for applicants from dozens of countries, including Pakistan.
“The United States is reviewing its visa policy and we hope that it will soon reinstate visas for Pakistan,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said at the ministry’s weekly press briefing.
The Trump administration announced it would suspend visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan. Reports first cited by Fox News said the suspension would apply to immigrant visas, including those for employment and family reunification. Non-immigrant visas, such as student and tourist visas, will not be affected. That means travel for events such as this summer’s World Cup in the United States will continue. The break is expected to begin on January 21.
🔴LIVE: Weekly press briefing by the spokesperson 15-01-2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad
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Addressing regional developments, Andrabi said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke over the phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the situation in the neighboring country. He said Pakistan continues to ensure that its territory and airspace are not used against Iran.
He also referred to a notice issued on January 12 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging social media users to avoid sharing sensational “breaking news” about alleged military actions. Andrabi said propaganda pages operated from Afghanistan and India had falsely claimed that the United States was using Pakistan as a base for an imminent strike against Iran.
Dar also had separate calls with the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan, Myanmar and Iran, as well as Indonesia’s investment minister, to discuss bilateral relations, regional issues and trade cooperation.
The Foreign Office briefing also highlighted efforts to bring back Pakistani students stranded in Afghanistan and Iran. Andrabi said a large number of Iranian students had arrived in Gwadar with the help of the Pakistani embassy. As of Wednesday, about 54 students had returned, with more expected in the coming days.
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On India, Andrabi criticized New Delhi for its violations of UN Security Council resolutions in Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated Pakistan’s stance in favor of legal trade with Iran and stable trade relations with the United States.
The ministry confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza peace process through the Arab-Islamic group and reiterated its support for a free and independent Palestinian state under the Abraham Accords.
The press briefing also noted a telephone call between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Emir of Qatar, during which both leaders expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral cooperation.
