Following Trump’s praise for Pakistan’s counterterrorism role, a new travel ban for Pakistani nationals is set to be imposed. This is part of a broader review targeting countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan for security concerns. While Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s cooperation, tensions between the US and Pakistan remain high, echoing past travel ban policies.
In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump’s commendation of Pakistan for its counterterrorism efforts has been overshadowed by the impending implementation of a new travel ban. Following the report of Pakistan assisting in the apprehension of a Taliban terrorist, restrictions on Pakistani nationals entering the United States are slated to take effect shortly. This is part of a broader review of security and vetting processes involving countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan.
On his first day in office, Trump enacted an executive order aimed at enforcing stringent vetting procedures for foreign nationals. The directive requires his administration to compile a list of nations facing inadequate vetting by March 12, indicating potential travel bans. Other countries could also be subject to these restrictions, as per the latest reports.
Trump had previously praised Pakistan during his congressional address, particularly for its role in capturing Taliban operative Mohammad Sharifullah, who was implicated in a 2021 attack on US troops. He expressed gratitude towards Pakistan, viewing the arrest as a significant accomplishment for the families impacted by the attacks, stating it was a monumental moment for justice.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, responded positively to Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of US-Pakistan relations and promising continued collaboration for regional security.
The announcement comes amidst a backdrop of strained ties due to long-standing accusations against Pakistan for allegedly supporting the Taliban. This development mirrors Trump’s first-term travel ban from 2017, which targeted several Muslim-majority countries. Despite recent approval from Trump, the impending travel restrictions indicate that the relationship between the US and Pakistan remains fraught with challenges.
The contrasting actions and statements of former President Trump regarding Pakistan underline ongoing complexities in US-Pakistan relations. While there was a moment of acknowledgment for Pakistan’s counterterrorism cooperation, the new travel ban reflects persistent tensions and security concerns. As both nations confront these challenges, the path forward remains uncertain, emphasizing the need for strengthened dialogue and cooperation.
Original Source: www.timesnownews.com
