The United States on Thursday alleged that hundreds of visa applications for its officials and contractors are pending before the Pakistani authorities, which it said would have "serious implications" on its civilian aid projects and counter-terrorism measures there.
"Hundreds of visa applications and renewals for US officials and contractors are awaiting issuance by the Pakistani government," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Wood said.
"If this continues, it will indeed have an impact on our ability to do the work that we want to do to help the Pakistani people, in terms of fighting terrorism; in terms of economic development, and a whole range of issues," he said.
However, he refrained from calling it a deliberate attempt on the part of the Pakistani government.
"We have raised these issues with Pakistani officials at very senior levels. We've expressed our concern about the delays and the impact that this could very well have on our programs and activities. They're well aware of these concerns. I can't give you any reason why they're being delayed," Wood said.
Noting that this is a big concern to the US, Wood said: "We've raised it at very senior levels. But we're committed to trying to work with Pakistan to make sure that we can get these visas and get on with the business of what we're trying to do in Pakistan."
Wood reiterated that if it continues, then it will have an impact on US ability to do what it is trying to do.
