Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik Monday said that the President Donald Trump-led United States (US) administration had not imposed a complete travel ban on Pakistani citizens, however, some restrictions could be introduced.
Speaking to a private media outlet, Malik said that while the US had expressed concerns over the surge in terrorism-related incidents in Pakistan, it had not imposed a blanket ban on Pakistanis travelling to the US.
The minister’s remarks comes days after Reuters reported the possibility of a ban on Pakistanis and Afghan nationals entering the US.
“We are in contact with the State Department, but nothing has been shared yet,” Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said in conversation with a local English daily.
When asked about Pakistan’s possible placement in the restricted travel category, he said, “It’s currently based on news reports. Nothing official as yet. We are still awaiting confirmation.”
Following the Reuters report, The New York Times had also suggested that Pakistanis might not face an outright travel ban but could be subjected to increased scrutiny when applying for US visas.
The report indicated that Pakistan might be placed in the “orange” category, which would impose restrictions on specific visa types. Countries in this category would be eligible for certain visas, such as business travel for affluent individuals, but would face restrictions on immigrant and tourist visas.
Additionally, visa durations could be reduced, and applicants would be required to undergo in-person interviews.
The draft proposal also recommends a “red list,” which would primarily include countries previously restricted under earlier versions of the travel ban. These countries reportedly include Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, according to The New York Times.
The proposed draft tentatively adds Afghanistan to the list, but it is unclear whether Pakistan is included. However, reports suggest that some Pakistani students studying in the US have been advised not to return home, as their institutions are uncertain if they would be allowed back into the country.
Last week, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) warned Pakistanis — including individuals of nearly a dozen other nationalities — not to travel from the US until the administration officially announced the new travel policy.
