The Pakistan Embassy in Washington has denied reports of visa refusals to US citizens of Pakistani origin due to their association with the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) party. Labeling these claims as “misinformation and disinformation,” the embassy has reassured Pakistani-Americans and overseas Pakistanis that they will continue to receive seamless visa assistance.
The controversy surfaced after recent media reports alleged that the Pakistan Embassy was denying visas to American citizens of Pakistani origin based on their affiliation with the PTI, led by the incarcerated former prime minister, Imran Khan. The reports also highlighted instances where some US citizens were detained in Pakistan for their involvement in political activities.
The PTI has been subjected to a crackdown within Pakistan following the violent protests that erupted on May 9 after Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
In response to the visa refusal claims, the Pakistan Embassy clarified, “The Embassy dispels any rumors about visa rejections for Pakistani-Americans. The embassy continues to offer seamless visa assistance to Pakistani-Americans and overseas Pakistanis.” The statement further emphasized that there was no truth to the rumors and labeled them as “misinformation and disinformation.”
The embassy also encouraged Pakistani-Americans and overseas Pakistanis to visit their homeland, assuring them that they would receive every possible consular assistance, including visas. It recommended that individuals could either use their NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) or obtain visas from the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC, or one of their four consulates general located in New York, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. The statement also highlighted that visa requests can be processed online 24/7, alleviating any concerns.
Additionally, the embassy referred to a press briefing where the State Department’s Deputy Spokesperson, Vedant Patel, was asked about US citizens whose visas were rejected. Patel replied, “I am not aware of this. Obviously, if there are any issues that arise in this area, certainly it would be something for Pakistani consular officials to speak to and not anything that relates to the State Department. We will just leave it at that.”
In conclusion, the Pakistan Embassy in the US has refuted reports of visa refusals and assured Pakistani-Americans and overseas Pakistanis that they will continue to receive visa assistance and encouraged them to visit their motherland, Pakistan. The embassy emphasized that the allegations were misleading and urged individuals to approach Pakistani consular officials for any concerns regarding visa applications.