Pakistan, March 8 -- Rumours and mounting anxiety swirl as whispers emerge about a revived travel ban; one that could stretch far beyond the measures imposed during US President Donald Trump's first term. Among these unverified reports is talk of a "red list" that might soon include countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, effectively barring their citizens from entering the United States. The painful memories of past policies-mass detentions at airports, travel declines of up to 30%, and lasting disruptions to education, trade, and countless personal opportunities-still resonate deeply with those affected.

For Pakistan, the stakes are extraordinarily high. Inclusion on such a list is not a minor administrative detail but a signal that c...