Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi stated that Pakistan is in contact with US authorities regarding the processing of immigrant visas, as Pakistan has been included among the 75 countries whose immigrant visa processing has been suspended.
According to sources, during a press briefing in Islamabad, the spokesperson responded to a question related to immigration by saying that Pakistan is in touch with the United States regarding its immigrant policies. He added that, essentially, this was a brief statement issued by the US State Department on its social media account, referring to an internal review of immigrant visa processing that is currently underway. He said that Pakistan is engaging with US authorities to obtain further details, adding that this is an evolving situation which is being closely monitored.
Tahir Andarabi further stated that, to the best of his understanding, this is an internal and ongoing review of US immigration policy and system. He expressed hope that the normal processing of immigrant visas would resume soon.
It is noteworthy that this development came a day after the US State Department announced that it would suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries whose immigrants receive welfare benefits at a rate deemed unacceptable to the American public. The statement said that the restriction would remain in place until the United States ensures that new immigrants do not place a burden on American taxpayers. It added that efforts are underway to prevent further misuse of the generosity of the American people.
In response to another question, Tahir Andarabi said that Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and desires a peaceful resolution to the matter. The Foreign Office spokesperson elaborated on Pakistan’s stance regarding the current situation in Iran, US immigration policies, and regional diplomatic relations. He said Pakistan is keeping a close watch on developments in Iran and hopes for a peaceful settlement.
He also expressed hope that Iran would soon overcome its internal challenges and that the situation would return to normal. Additionally, the spokesperson termed any attack on Somalia’s sovereignty as unacceptable, stating that violation of any country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is against international law, and Pakistan strongly condemns such actions.
