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• Islamabad hopes ‘routine processing’ of immigrant visas will resume soon
• Insists Pakistan-Iran trade complies with international law, regulations
• Offers to facilitate Tehran-Washington communication to ease tensions
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office said on Thursday it was in contact with the United States over a freeze on immigrant visa processing, including for Pakistanis, and President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on countries trading with Iran, while also indicating Islamabad’s readiness to help facilitate communication between Tehran and Washington to defuse tensions.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan was seeking clarity from US authorities after comments from the State Department suggested an internal review of immigrant visa processing.
He said Pakistan was “in touch with the US authorities to ascertain further details” as the matter was still evolving.
The spokesman said Pakistan understood the move as part of an internal review of US immigration policies and expressed hope that “routine processing of immigrant visas will resume soon”.
His comments came after the US Department of State announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan, effective Jan 21.
The decision applies to immigrant visas only and is part of a review under US public charge provisions. The move has raised concerns about delays in family reunification and employment-based immigration.
On trade matters, Mr Andrabi said Pakistan had taken note of the announcement on imposing tariffs on countries conducting trade with Iran and remained engaged with Washington on the issue.
“As regards our trade with Iran, it follows international trade regulations and relevant international law,” he said, adding that Pakistan would continue to engage both the US and Iran on its trade relations.
Earlier this week, President Trump announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on countries doing business with Iran, framing the move as part of stepped-up pressure on Tehran amid its crackdown on protests and tensions with Washington.
Responding to a question on Pakistan’s possible role in US-Iran relations, Mr Andrabi recalled Islamabad’s involvement during last year’s nuclear-related talks. He said Pakistan had adopted a “very positive and principled position” that allowed it to act as a bridge builder and facilitator for communication channels.
He noted that during those talks, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held multiple telephone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
“We are willing to play such a role now,” the spokesman said while referring to the latest phase of tensions.
Asked about Pakistan’s policy on the use of its airspace or territory against Iran, the spokesman said it remained unchanged. “Policy remains the same. Ditto,” he said.
Mr Andrabi said instability in neighbouring Iran did not suit Pakistan, underscoring Islamabad’s interest in a stable and peaceful Iran as protests there show signs of easing after weeks of unrest.
He stressed that calm and stability in Iran were directly linked to Pakistan’s own interests. “A stable and peaceful Iran, free from domestic unrest or political upheaval, is in Pakistan’s interest,” the spokesman maintained.
Sharing Pakistan’s position on the issue, he said, it is understood that the recent protests in Iran were driven by economic difficulties faced by ordinary citizens, which had been aggravated by US and Western sanctions.
“We understand that the recent protests in Iran were triggered by economic difficulties faced by ordinary citizens, which have been further exacerbated by international sanctions,” he said.
The comments were significant as the Foreign Office explicitly identified economic grievances linked to sanctions as the root cause of the protests. Last week, the spokesman had implicitly rejected any external interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
The spokesman welcomed measures announced by Tehran to ease economic pressures, expressing hope they would help reduce public hardship. Pakistan, he said, extended its “best wishes for the success of these efforts” aimed at supporting traders and the general public.
“Pakistan remains confident that the Iranian nation will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger,” he added.
Referring to Iran’s long history and social resilience, Mr Andrabi said Pakistan had “full confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and leadership”, rooted in their culture, civilisation and experience, to address the challenges confronting the country.
Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026
