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UK Assures Pakistan of Action on Student Visa Delays

ISLAMABAD — August 16, 2026

The United Kingdom has assured Pakistan that it will address delays affecting student visa applications, after Federal Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar raised concerns that hundreds of Pakistani students could lose an academic year because of processing delays.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott gave the assurance during a meeting with Tarar in Islamabad, where the two sides also discussed Pakistan-UK relations, education and ways to expand institutional cooperation.

Tarar told the high commissioner that hundreds of Pakistani students were facing difficulties because of delays in processing their UK visa applications. He said prolonged delays could prevent students from beginning their studies on time and potentially cost them an academic year.

The minister stressed the need to remove obstacles faced by Pakistani students seeking education abroad. He also briefed Marriott on steps being taken by Pakistan to improve the legal and institutional system dealing with students who pursue education overseas.

According to the government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the formation of a committee under Tarar's leadership to examine the existing system and recommend improvements. The committee has completed its recommendations, while further work is under way to strengthen the framework.

Tarar said the objective was to establish a more effective mechanism for dealing with problems faced by Pakistani students who plan to study abroad. The changes are intended to improve coordination and help address issues affecting students during the process.

Marriott assured the minister that the delays affecting Pakistani students' visas would be addressed. The meeting did not provide a specific timetable for resolving individual applications or state how many pending cases would be handled.

The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen educational links between Pakistan and the UK. Both countries have continued to maintain academic and institutional connections, with Pakistani students forming an important part of the educational relationship.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Law, Justice and Human Rights Barrister Aqeel Malik. The discussions are part of wider efforts by Pakistan and the UK to increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest.