Pakistan’s international reputation has taken another hit as the U.S. considers placing it under partial visa suspension—a move that speaks volumes about Islamabad’s global standing. This development, part of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, highlights two major issues: Pakistan’s failure to curb terrorism and its inability to address domestic economic and governance deficiencies.
The Price of Supporting Terrorism
For years, Pakistan has been accused of harboring and supporting militant groups that destabilize the region. Despite international pressure, Islamabad has failed to take decisive action against organizations operating within its borders. The country’s perceived double game—cooperating with the West on counterterrorism while allegedly shielding extremist elements—has led to growing distrust among its allies.
The Trump administration’s memo groups Pakistan alongside nations such as Belarus and Turkmenistan, warning that failure to address “deficiencies” in security and vetting procedures within 60 days could result in a suspension of U.S. visas. This places Pakistan in an unenviable position, reinforcing global concerns over its security apparatus and counterterrorism policies.
​Over the past decade, Pakistan has faced several instances where Western nations and international bodies have raised concerns regarding its policies and actions. Notable instances include:​
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey Listing:
- 2008–2010: Pakistan was first placed on the FATF grey list due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) frameworks.
- 2012–2015: The country was re-listed for similar concerns. ​
- 2018–2022: Pakistan was again placed on the grey list, facing increased scrutiny over its AML/CFT measures. It was removed from the list in October 2022 after significant improvements.
- Allegations of State-Sponsored Terrorism:
- In 2016, U.S. lawmakers introduced a bill to designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing its alleged support for militant groups.
- International Sanctions and Criticisms:
- The United States has periodically suspended military aid to Pakistan, accusing it of not taking adequate action against terrorist networks.
- In December 2024, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Pakistan’s state-run defense agency, citing concerns over the development of long-range ballistic missile capabilities.
- Diplomatic Isolation:
- The 2016 SAARC Summit in Islamabad was canceled after countries like India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan boycotted the event, citing Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism.
A Struggling Economy and Poor Governance
While Pakistan faces external criticism over security concerns, its internal situation is equally dire. A spiraling economy, mismanagement, and political instability have left the country in financial turmoil. Instead of prioritizing economic reforms and stability, successive governments have been preoccupied with political rivalries and short-term gains.
Pakistan’s dependence on international bailouts, particularly from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has only worsened its image as a struggling state unable to stand on its own. Investors remain wary due to inconsistent policies, corruption, and weak governance structures. This economic instability directly impacts its global credibility, making it harder for Pakistan to secure favorable trade deals or attract foreign investment.
International Isolation and Its Consequences
Being considered for visa restrictions alongside countries like Afghanistan, North Korea, and Myanmar is a clear indication of Pakistan’s declining international stature. The comparison is damning—it suggests that Pakistan, once a key U.S. ally, is now seen as a country that cannot meet basic security and governance standards.
This potential U.S. visa restriction is just one of many signs that Pakistan’s global standing is deteriorating. With India rising as a regional economic and political power, Pakistan risks further isolation if it does not take corrective measures. The diplomatic fallout from its continued association with extremism and poor economic policies could extend beyond the U.S., affecting its relationships with Europe, the Gulf, and even China—its closest ally.
A Moment of Reckoning
The message from Washington is clear: Pakistan must address its systemic issues or face further international repercussions. Whether it is improving security measures, combating extremism, or fixing its economy, Islamabad must act fast to regain global trust. Failure to do so will not only harm its citizens but also further cement its status as a nation in decline.
Pakistan stands at a crossroads. Will it continue down the path of economic mismanagement and international skepticism, or will it finally take the necessary steps to reclaim its place as a respected global player? The choice, and its consequences, rest with its leadership.
