The foreign office on Thursday expressed serious concern over the suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries and hoped the issue would be resolved soon.

The remarks came after the US State Department announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan, effective January 21, 2026.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarabi emphasised that the government is working diligently to ensure the restoration of immigration visas, which remain a pressing issue for Pakistani citizens.

“Pakistan remains in continuous contact with US authorities on immigration matters,” Andarabi said.

“We hope that the review of visa policies will soon allow Pakistani citizens to access visas again. This is a matter of utmost importance for our people, and the government is addressing it seriously.”

Describing the situation as evolving, the spokesperson added that Pakistan is in touch with US authorities to seek further details.

In addition to immigration concerns, Andarabi addressed Pakistan’s stance on regional developments.

On the situation in Iran, he said the country is being closely monitored, and Pakistan seeks a peaceful resolution to internal challenges there.

“It is hoped that Iran will soon overcome its domestic issues and that normalcy will return,” he added.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan will not allow any country to use its airspace for operations against Iran.

Tahir Andarabi said, “Pakistan’s policy does not permit the use of its airspace against any neighboring country. This has not been allowed in the past, and Pakistan will not grant such permission in the future.”

He recalled that during the US strike on Iran in June 2025, Pakistan’s airspace was not used for the operation.

Andarabi also provided an update on the evacuation of Pakistani students stranded in Iran.

He said a large number of students have already reached Gwadar, and arrangements are in place to facilitate their return.

“On Wednesday, 54 students returned, while earlier two dozen students were repatriated from Iran. The Pakistani embassy in Afghanistan is also actively assisting students returning from there,” he added.

The spokesperson said details regarding the number of students returning and other related information would be shared in due course.

The spokesperson also condemned attacks on Somalia’s sovereignty, stating, “Any violation of a country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity contravenes international law, and Pakistan strongly condemns such actions.”

On diplomatic engagements in the region, Andarabi noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, where both leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and agreed to maintain regular contact, underscoring the close ties between Pakistan and Qatar.

The spokesperson highlighted that President Asif Ali Zardari is currently on an official visit to Bahrain, where he held meetings with senior Bahraini officials to discuss bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and matters of mutual interest.