Islamabad says in touch with Washington as Trump administration plans suspension of visa processing
Spokesperson’s weekly press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad, source: screengrab
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan said on Thursday it is in contact with US authorities and closely monitoring the situation after reports emerged that Washington plans to suspend visa processing for applicants from dozens of countries, including Pakistan.
“The US is reviewing its visa policy and we hope it will restore visas to Pakistan soon,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi said during the ministry’s weekly briefing.
The Trump administration has announced that it will 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. This means that travel to events such as this summer’s World Cup in the USA will continue. The break is expected to begin on January 21.
🔴LIVE: Spokesperson’s weekly press briefing 15-01-2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) 15 January 2026
Read: Can Pakistan afford regime change in Iran?
Regarding regional developments, Andrabi said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke on the phone with Iran’s 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 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on January 12 urging social media users to avoid sharing sensational “breaking news” about alleged military actions. Andrabi said propaganda sites run from Afghanistan and India had falsely claimed that the US was using Pakistan as a base for an imminent attack on Iran.
Dar also held 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 State Department briefing also highlighted efforts to bring back Pakistani students stranded in Afghanistan and Iran. Andrabi said a large number of students in Iran had reached Gwadar with the help of the Pakistani embassy. By Wednesday, around 54 students had returned, and more are expected in the coming days.
Read more: Pakistan’s passport rises five places to 98th in the global rankings
Regarding India, Andrabi criticized New Delhi for violations of UN Security Council resolutions in Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated Pakistan’s position on 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 framework of the Abraham Accords.
The briefing also noted a phone call between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Emir of Qatar, where both leaders expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral cooperation.
