‘No truth to rumors about denial of visas to Pakistani-Americans’

WASHINGTON: A spokesperson for the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC has stated that there was no truth to the rumors about denial of visas to Pakistani-Americans or request for visas being “rejected”. “This is a misinformation and disinformation”, he said.

He was referring to questions raised by some media persons at the daily presser at the State Department.

“Pakistani-Americans and other overseas Pakistanis are most welcome to visit their motherland – Pakistan. The Embassy continues to provide every possible consular assistance, including visas, to them,” said the embassy spokesperson in a statement.

“We encourage Pakistani-Americans to visit Pakistan either on their NICOP or get visas, if they so desire, from the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC or from our four Consulates General in New York, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. Besides, visa requests are also processed online 24/7. Therefore, there should be no cause for concern,” he added.

In reply to the questions, the State Department spokesperson had said it was up to the consular officials at the Pakistan Embassy to issue or reject a visa request by a US citizen, and it did not relate to them.

The State Departments Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel was asked if those US citizens whose visas were rejected approached the State Department.

“I am not aware of this. Obviously, if there are any issues that arise in this area, certainly it would be something for Pakistani consular officials to speak to and not anything that relates to the State Department.”

“We will just leave it at that,” said the US official when a reporter sought more clarification.