Pakistan has contacted United States officials regarding the suspension of immigrant visa processing. Authorities hope the process will restart soon.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed the development during a weekly briefing in Islamabad. He said Pakistan is actively seeking details from the US side.
The statement follows a decision by the US State Department to pause immigrant visa processing. The pause affects applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan. The decision took effect on January 21, 2026.
According to a post by the US State Department, the pause relates to welfare concerns. The department said it is reviewing countries where migrants use public benefits at high rates. The review will remain in place until further notice.
Officials said the aim is to ensure that future immigrants do not place an economic burden on American citizens. No timeline has been shared for the review’s completion.
Addressing the issue, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan had noted a brief US statement. He explained that the announcement refers to an internal review process.
He added that Pakistan is in regular contact with US authorities. The goal is to understand the scope and duration of the decision. He described the situation as evolving.
Pakistan hopes routine immigrant visa processing will resume after the review. Andrabi said the country understands that the matter falls under US domestic policy.
The pause has raised concerns among Pakistani applicants. Many families await updates on pending immigrant visa cases. Officials have advised patience until clearer information emerges.
During the same briefing, the spokesperson also spoke about regional development. He said Pakistan is closely watching the situation in Iran.
He described Iran as a neighboring country and an important global partner. Pakistan hopes peace and stability will prevail in the region.
The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for peaceful solutions. He said Pakistan wants Iran to remain a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The Foreign Office also responded to recent statements from India. Andrabi rejected allegations made by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.
The Indian general had claimed repeated drone intrusions from Pakistan. Andrabi dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
He said such statements repeat old narratives and mislead the public. He added that these accusations harm India’s credibility.
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The spokesperson further stated that Pakistan has evidence of India’s involvement in regional instability. He said India-backed networks have operated in Pakistan and nearby regions.
Pakistan has consistently denied claims of cross-border violations. Officials stress the need for responsible dialogue and factual reporting.
For now, Pakistani authorities continue diplomatic engagement with the US. They await further clarification on immigrant visa processing.
