US President Donald Trump is likely to introduce a new travel ban order next week that could restrict entry for individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move follows a government review assessing security and vetting risks associated with various countries.
The expected policy is reminiscent of Trump’s controversial 2017 travel ban, which restricted entry from seven Muslim-majority nations and was later upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018 before being reversed by President Joe Biden. That ban included Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. While additional countries may be added to the new list, sources have not specified which ones.
If implemented, the ban could impact thousands of Afghans who were previously cleared for resettlement in the US as refugees or Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders due to threats from the Taliban for their work with American forces.
The move follows Trump’s recent address to Congress at Capitol Hill, where he acknowledged Pakistan’s role in the extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah, an alleged mastermind behind the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing during the Afghanistan withdrawal. The attack killed 13 US troops and 170 Afghan civilians.
“I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice,” Trump said. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan for assisting in the arrest, adding, “This was a very momentous day for the families of the 13 troops who were murdered and for the many who were badly injured that day in Afghanistan.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, also acknowledged Trump’s remarks, thanking the US for recognizing Islamabad’s role in counter-terrorism. Reports indicate that Pakistan acted on CIA intelligence to capture Sharifullah, a top commander of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).
Trump had previously issued an executive order on January 20 mandating stricter security screenings for foreign nationals seeking entry into the US. This directive required a review of countries with inadequate vetting procedures, with recommendations for travel restrictions to be submitted by March 12.
According to sources, Afghanistan is expected to be on the list for a full travel ban, while Pakistan has also been recommended for inclusion.
The potential travel restrictions come as Pakistan continues to face security challenges, including violent attacks by Islamist militants. Earlier this week, twin suicide bombings targeted a military base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu area, killing six security personnel. The attack occurred inside an army cantonment.
Additionally, tensions remain high along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where forces from both nations frequently engage in cross-border skirmishes, often triggered by disputes over infrastructure projects near the Durand Line—a 2,400-kilometer (1,500-mile) border established by the British in 1896, which Afghanistan does not officially recognize.
