Donald Trump’s Potential Travel Ban: Will Pakistan and Afghanistan Be Affected?
Recently, this topic has been making headlines everywhere. If you look around, you’ll find multiple news articles discussing it—Donald Trump’s travel ban might be reinstated. This time, reports suggest that Pakistani and Afghan citizens could face a complete ban from entering the United States.
Why Is Trump Considering a Travel Ban Again?
The speculation about a new travel ban gained momentum after Trump thanked Pakistan in a recent statement. While this may seem contradictory, there’s a reason behind it. The gratitude was expressed because Pakistan had handed over a terrorist to the U.S. However, right after this, reports emerged that Trump might issue a travel ban targeting Pakistanis and Afghans.
This has sparked concerns in Pakistan, where media outlets claim that thousands of people will be impacted by such a decision. But why is Trump making such a drastic move? The answer lies in his practical approach to foreign policy.
Trump’s View on Pakistan: A Necessary Evil?
Donald Trump has always seen Pakistan as a tool—an instrument that the U.S. can use to carry out operations in Afghanistan and other regions. Back in 2015-16, when Trump was running his first presidential campaign, he was often asked about his stance on Pakistan. At that time, Trump famously said:
“India is the check to Pakistan.”
This statement reflects Trump’s long-standing view that Pakistan is both a liability and a necessity for the U.S. While he acknowledges that Pakistan harbors terrorists, he also understands that Pakistan can be useful for American strategic interests in the region.
The Afghanistan Factor: Why the U.S. Needs Pakistan
One of the key reasons behind Trump’s pragmatic approach toward Pakistan is the situation in Afghanistan. After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, a significant amount of American military equipment was left behind. Recently, the Taliban has warned the U.S. that if it attempts to retrieve these weapons, they will be used against American forces.
In such a scenario, if the U.S. wants to recover its military assets, it will need Pakistan’s help. Trump knows this, which is why he hasn’t completely severed ties with Islamabad. He continues to provide financial assistance to Pakistan when needed but is also taking steps to protect American interests—hence the potential travel ban.
A Muslim Travel Ban 2.0?
If this travel ban is imposed, it will be seen as a continuation of Trump’s first “Muslim Ban” during his presidency from 2017 to 2021. Back then, the ban primarily targeted African and Middle Eastern countries. This time, it is expected that Pakistan and Afghanistan could be included in the list.
Pakistani news outlets are already discussing the possibility of massive repercussions if this ban goes through. Pakistan’s passport, which is already among the weakest in the world, will lose even more credibility. It could become a liability rather than an asset, as Pakistani passport holders might face increased restrictions globally.
Trump’s Foreign Policy: A Balancing Act
One of the most unique aspects of Donald Trump’s foreign policy is his ability to play both sides. On one hand, he thanks Pakistan for cooperating with the U.S., and on the other, he is preparing to ban Pakistani citizens from entering America.
This is a pattern we have seen before. For example:
- Trump recently visited Washington, D.C., and was shocked by the rising number of homeless people.
- In response, he announced that he would take federal control over Washington, D.C. and remove the homeless population to “restore the capital’s dignity.”
- His approach is simple—what benefits America the most will be his priority, regardless of how it impacts other countries.
What Happens Next?
If Trump wins the 2024 U.S. elections, we could see major geopolitical shifts, including:
- A renewed travel ban targeting Pakistani and Afghan citizens.
- More restrictions on Middle Eastern and South Asian travelers.
- A stronger push for American dominance in international affairs.
Final Question for You!
FIFA recently announced that three countries will be banned from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Can you guess which ones?
A) Ukraine, Russia, Brazil
B) Pakistan, Russia, Congo
C) Russia, Italy, Japan
D) South Africa, Syria, China
Drop your answers in the comments! The correct ones will receive a special reaction from us.