Is US imposing travel ban on Pakistanis?

The United States has issued a new travel advisory for Pakistan, urging its citizens to reconsider travel due to security risks, including terrorism and armed conflict. The US State Department warned that violent extremist groups continue to plan attacks, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The advisory highlights the threat of sudden terrorist assaults, which would target transportation networks, shopping complexes, military targets, airports, universities, and religious places. In light of these threats, US government personnel in Pakistan are not allowed to visit large groups.

While the advisory acknowledges that major cities like Islamabad have better security, it warns that Pakistan's overall security situation remains unpredictable, with risks that could escalate rapidly. The US State Department updates travel advisories on a regular basis following security reviews, advising visitors to exercise caution.

The new travel advisory also follows debate in the US on whether to impose travel restrictions on some countries. The Trump administration, according to reports, is considering a new travel ban that would restrict entry into the US for persons from Afghanistan and Pakistan. This review of policy comes after a review of security and vetting protocols for travellers from different countries.

Additionally, around 200,000 Afghans, approved for US resettlement or with pending visas, face uncertainty. Many are currently stranded in Pakistan, alongside refugees from nearly 90 other countries. The situation follows President Trump’s order, which imposed a 90-day freeze on refugee admissions and foreign aid supporting their travel.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has set March 31 as the deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country voluntarily. The interior ministry has warned that mass deportations will begin after this date as part of the ongoing repatriation plan for illegal foreigners.