ISLAMABAD— Pakistanis and Afghan nationals living in Islamabad have expressed concern over a potential U.S. travel ban that could bar people from Pakistan and Afghanistan from entering the United States as early as next week, calling it “unfortunate” and a “setback.”
ْQuoting three sources familiar with the matter, Reuters has reported that the proposed ban is based on a government review of security and vetting risks, following an executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump on January 20.
The order directed U.S. agencies to identify countries whose screening and vetting processes were deemed inadequate and recommend travel restrictions by March 12.
Speaking to Reuters, Syed Abbas Haider, a 29-year-old Islamabad resident, said a potential ban would be “unfortunate and strange,” considering that Pakistan considers the U.S. an ally and supporter.
The restrictions could also impact tens of thousands of Afghans who were cleared for resettlement in the U.S. under refugee or Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs because of their work with the American military and government during the 20-year war in Afghanistan.
Ehsanullah Ahmadzai, a 31-year-old Afghan who has lived in Islamabad for three years, said restrictions should not be placed on vulnerable people who need U.S. assistance.
Some Pakistanis see the potential ban as a warning and urged the government to strengthen alternative opportunities abroad.
“Pakistan should create other opportunities so that we don’t always have to look toward America,” said Siddiq Sangar, a resident of Islamabad. “Because we totally depend on the U.S., they think if they put a ban, there will be no resistance from Pakistan.”
Three sources, along with a fourth person who requested anonymity, confirmed that Afghanistan will be included in the recommended list for a full travel ban, with Pakistan also likely to be on the list.
The State Department, Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence—whose leaders are overseeing the policy review—did not respond to requests for comment.
The potential travel ban would revive elements of Trump’s earlier travel restrictions, which barred entry from several Muslim-majority countries during his first term in office.
The decision is expected to be finalized by next week, leaving thousands of people uncertain about their future travel plans and raising concerns over the U.S. administration’s approach to immigration and national security.
