ISLAMABAD: United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday appreciated Pakistan’s pledge to help fast-track the intra-Afghan dialogue as he concluded his two-day visit to the country.
Another high-profile American diplomat, Alice G. Wells, also traveled to Pakistan at the same time. However, her meetings focused on a much broader spectrum of issues between the two countries, though she also discussed the overall regional security situation, “including the joint efforts [by the US and Pakistan] to advance the Afghan peace process.”
In a statement released by the US Embassy on Tuesday, Khalilzad “requested and received support” from Pakistan to help “accelerate intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations” that is viewed as vital to Washington’s exit strategy from Afghanistan.
The statement also claimed that he convinced Pakistani officials to use their influence to help bring down violence in the war-torn country, adding that the administration in Islamabad also expressed its willingness to take other “concrete steps necessary for a comprehensive settlement” in Afghanistan.
Lauding Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent remarks in support of the peace process, the US special envoy said that Afghan peace held particular significance for the region since it could facilitate regional economic integration. He also noted that such integration would also advance PM Khan’s vision for a development-centric transformation of his country.
Both US diplomats arrived in Islamabad on Monday and held combined and separate meetings with several senior Pakistani officials, including the military top brass.
Ambassador Wells met Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, Additional Secretary Interior Tariq Sardar, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat.
Her discussions centered on “opportunities to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Pakistan” and sought to identify “areas for growth in bilateral relationship,” the press handout added.
Following a meeting between the two US officials and Pakistan’s interagency delegation, headed by Additional Secretary Americas Aftab Khokhar, on Monday, the foreign office said the talks were a “part of regular consultations on the Afghan peace process, Pakistan-US bilateral relationship and regional security situation.”
The two sides agreed that all Afghan stakeholders as well as regional players had an important role to play in order to bring an end to the prolonged conflict, read the statement.
Pakistan also stressed the need to create a conducive environment in Afghanistan for “early and dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.”
The two sides further reviewed the state of engagement and cooperation between Pakistan and the United States on a range of bilateral issues including political, economic and consular matters, according to the statement.
The US is seeking a safe exit from Afghanistan on the basis of an agreement among all stakeholders to end the 17-year-long Afghan conflict. However, the collapse of a meeting, which was scheduled to take place between representatives of the US, Taliban, and a large group of Afghan politicians in Qatar earlier this month – and the Taliban announcing their annual spring offensive – highlights the fact that political players in Afghanistan are far from reaching a consensus on the matter.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesman Dr. Muhammad Faisal told Arab News that while the dialogue between the US and the Taliban continues to be in place, the issues will not get resolved “until the US opens a wider dialogue,” citing strategic talks on Afghanistan – which involved the international community – as an example.
US Special envoy receives Pakistan’s support to expedite stalled intra-Afghan dialogue
US Special envoy receives Pakistan’s support to expedite stalled intra-Afghan dialogue
- Says dialogue and negotiations is vital to Washington’s withdrawal from Afghanistan
- Both sides discussed opportunities to strengthen economic ties
US freezes immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Pakistan
- Immigrant visas to be suspended from Jan 21, tourist visas unaffected
- Move targets “public charge” concerns as Trump revives hard-line immigration rules
ISLAMABA: The United States will pause immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan, from January 21, the State Department said on Thursday, as President Donald Trump presses ahead with a hard-line immigration agenda centered on financial self-sufficiency.
In an update published on its website, the State Department said it was conducting a comprehensive review of immigration policies to ensure that migrants from what it described as “high-risk” countries do not rely on public welfare in the United States or become a “public charge.”
“The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people,” the department said.
The pause applies specifically to immigrant visas, which are issued to people seeking permanent residence in the United States. The department said applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the suspension.
According to the State Department, the affected countries include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Thailand and dozens of others across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.
The department said tourist and other non-immigrant visas are not affected, and that no previously issued immigrant visas have been revoked. Dual nationals applying with a valid passport from a country not on the list are exempt from the pause.
The State Department did not indicate how long the visa pause would remain in effect, saying it would continue until its review of screening and vetting procedures is completed.
The announcement underscores the breadth of the Trump administration’s renewed immigration crackdown. Since returning to office last year, Trump has revived and expanded enforcement of the “public charge” provision of US immigration law, which allows authorities to deny entry to applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits.
During his previous term, Trump imposed sweeping travel restrictions on several Muslim-majority countries, a policy widely referred to as a “Muslim ban,” which was challenged in courts before a revised version was upheld by the Supreme Court and later rescinded under former president Joe Biden.
The visa freeze also comes amid an intensifying domestic enforcement push. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded operations nationwide, drawing scrutiny over its tactics. Last week, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, a US citizen, during a federal operation in Minneapolis, sparking protests and renewed debate over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
