Pakistani-Americans not being denied visas,’ clarifies embassy

Celina Ali

Islamabad: The Pakistan embassy in the United States (US) has refuted reports alleging visa denials for overseas Pakistanis and Pakistani-Americans wishing to travel to Pakistan, dismissing them as baseless rumors.

“This is unequivocally misinformation and disinformation,” stated the embassy spokesperson.

The embassy’s response came after the US State Department addressed the issue during a recent press briefing, where questions arose regarding the rejection of visas for Pakistani-Americans seeking to return to their homeland.

“I’m not aware,” responded US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel. “Any potential issues in this regard would fall under the purview of Pakistani consular authorities, not the State Department.”

The Pakistan Embassy in Washington assured that Pakistani-Americans and other Overseas Pakistanis are warmly welcomed to visit Pakistan. The spokesperson affirmed that the embassy is actively facilitating consular services, including visa issuance, for overseas Pakistanis.

“We encourage Pakistani-Americans to travel to Pakistan using either their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or obtain visas from the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC, as well as our Consulates General in New York, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. Additionally, visa applications can be submitted online around the clock. Therefore, there is no reason for concern,” the embassy emphasized.