New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) The media in Pakistan had predicted last year that the United States might implement certain visa restrictions, driven by growing security and immigration issues that mirrored Washington’s shift in policy and domestic speculation prior to the recent formal announcement.

News outlets such as Samaa and Ary News speculated on this action in early 2025. Similar reports surfaced elsewhere, with others amplifying these claims despite Islamabad’s efforts to maintain a favorable rapport with US President Donald Trump.

Trump’s repeated references to his "Favorite Field Marshal,” the Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, along with his visits to the US, reported American interest in Pakistan's cryptocurrency and rare-earth minerals, as well as Islamabad’s proposal for the development of the Pasni port in Balochistan—all seemingly led to no favorable outcomes.

Before the US officially halted immigrant visa processing for Pakistani nationals and citizens from other regions, officials in Islamabad and the media were already highlighting uncertainties and awaiting official confirmations, often distinguishing between speculation and government announcements.

Most of these reports originated from leaks, expert commentary, and speculation surrounding changes in US visa policies that are linked to security vetting criteria.

Recently, a spokesperson from the US State Department declared that the Trump administration is suspending immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, starting January 21. This suspension will affect applicants from various regions, including Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Balkans, and South Asia, with Pakistan and Bangladesh included.

Officials in Islamabad noted that this announcement does not affect those seeking visitor visas, expressing optimism for a return to "routine processing" soon.

Following the announcement of the US visa restrictions, Pakistan's Foreign Office reportedly expressed hope that the suspension is temporary, with the possibility of resuming normal processing in the near future. Meanwhile, the backlog of applications is anticipated to grow, resulting in delays in approvals despite a historically high demand.

Pakistani media began reporting on potential US visa restrictions as early as the beginning of 2025, amidst general global discussions about Washington tightening immigration regulations for nationals from certain countries, including Pakistan. These reports emphasized that the anticipated restrictions were linked to broader developments in immigration policies driven by stricter security measures. Such measures included requests for more detailed information from visa applicants, such as public social media profiles, to conduct a thorough vetting of non-immigrant visa applications.

Moreover, the Trump administration’s concerns regarding adherence to specific security requirements had prompted warnings that Pakistan might be subject to partial visa suspensions unless compliance improved. Media coverage also reflected the political context, including previous US immigration crackdowns and Pakistan’s diplomatic attempts to clarify and negotiate visa-related matters with Washington.

The Pakistani media presented these developments in the context of broader bilateral relations and global immigration trends, explaining fluctuations in visa issuance numbers and the sustained demand despite restrictions. Reports predicted certain visa restrictions by Washington based on early indications of heightened security protocols recently adopted by the US, ongoing diplomatic communications, and speculative reports prior to official confirmation. The anticipation was grounded in worries over compliance with US security standards and was showcased through detailed coverage of policy changes and their implications for Pakistani travelers and immigrants.