Pakistan has stated that it has not been officially informed about any travel restrictions imposed by the United States, adding that such reports are based solely on media speculation. The country also reiterated that there has been no change in its policy regarding Israel.
During a weekly briefing with journalists, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan clarified that the relationship between Pakistan and the United States remains strong across various sectors. He explained that the recent meeting between the US Charge d’Affaires and officials at the Foreign Office was a routine diplomatic engagement.
Khan further stated that the government has not received any formal notification regarding the travel restrictions, emphasizing that the reports in the media are speculative. He also dismissed the validity of the US travel ban reports, citing a denial from the US State Department regarding the matter.
Regarding the visa-related discussions that took place the previous day, Khan described the meeting as part of normal diplomatic procedures, adding that it was not unusual for any diplomat to be summoned.
The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan’s relations with the US are longstanding and multifaceted, with both countries having decades of diplomatic engagement.
Khan also briefed the media about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ongoing visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Prime Minister thanked Saudi Arabia for its continued support for Pakistan.
On the issue of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Khan condemned the Israeli attacks, describing them as a violation of ceasefire agreements. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution and reiterated that there has been no change in Pakistan’s policy towards Israel. The Foreign Office was not aware of reports indicating that some Pakistanis had traveled to Israel, which were circulating on social media.
Regarding Pakistan’s missile and defense capabilities, Khan emphasized that these are solely for the country’s defense and part of a deterrence strategy. He assured that Pakistan’s defense system is secure and under reliable hands.
Khan also addressed the rising tensions in Yemen, where the Saudi-led coalition’s airstrikes on Sana’a and retaliatory actions by Houthi rebels have escalated the conflict. Pakistan reiterated its support for peace efforts aimed at resolving the Yemen crisis.
On Afghanistan, Khan called on the international community to ensure the elimination of terrorist safe havens on Afghan soil. He also confirmed that the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan had reopened and that pedestrian movement would begin soon. Pakistan’s primary demand was that no posts be constructed by the Afghan side at the border.
On the issue of Kashmir, Khan rejected claims made by Indian leadership about the peaceful nature of the killings of millions of Kashmiris. He stressed that the reality was that India is directly involved in the massacre of innocent Kashmiris.
In response to various rumors circulating on social media, Khan announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the authenticity of these claims.
He concluded by explaining that the procedure for membership in the BRICS Development Bank is different from that of BRICS itself and confirmed that Pakistan had received official consular notifications regarding the recent arrest of its citizens in Spain. Pakistan also urged all parties in Syria and Lebanon to exercise restraint.
