Pakistani Community Sees Hope in Visa Processing Center Update
-- Anita Anand Intervenes, Assures Progress on Islamabad Center After Community Activist Brings Issue to Forefront
LAHORE MIRROR — In a significant development, Member of Parliament Anita Anand has taken up the cause of the Pakistani community’s long-standing demand for an updated visa processing center in Islamabad.
This comes after community activist Fahad Iqbal, President of AMPAK Toronto, brought the issue to her attention, highlighting the lack of progress since it was first raised in February 2024.
During an immigration meeting on February 7th, 2024, MP Shafqat Ali had urged Canadian Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller to upgrade the Islamabad center, citing the need for improved services.
The Minister had assured that seven officials would be appointed to the center by summer 2024. However, with no updates forthcoming, Iqbal reached out to Anand, who promptly intervened.
Anand, President of the Treasury Board of Canada, contacted Miller, who confirmed that the establishment of the center is indeed progressing. He has requested an update from the Canadian Immigration Department to ensure timely completion. Anand has assured the Pakistani community that she is taking this issue very seriously and expressed gratitude to Iqbal for bringing it to her attention.
This development has brought hope to the Pakistani community, which has long faced challenges in visa processing. With Anand’s intervention, the community expects tangible progress on the Islamabad center, facilitating smoother services and stronger ties between Canada and Pakistan.
PHOTO CAPTION: Fahad Iqbal, President of AMPAK Toronto, and community activist, who brought the issue to Anita Anand’s attention.