(Sports Correspondent:Imran Sohail)
Pakistan’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Against Afghanistan Faces Uncertainty Over Visa Delays
October 8, 2025
Just a day before Pakistan’s highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Afghanistan, uncertainty surrounds the fixture scheduled at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, as several Afghan players are still waiting for their travel visas.
According to officials, players and team members based in Afghanistan have already received their visas, while those living abroad are still pending clearance due to biometric verification delays.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsen Gilani confirmed that the situation has created challenges for both sides. The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) and PFF have reportedly written to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to share their concerns and seek guidance on the matter.
Reports suggest that the Afghan federation submitted its squad list to the Pakistan Embassy on September 18, with multiple follow-ups afterward. However, the PFF maintains that the final list was received on September 27, which was after the AFC’s 30-day visa processing deadline.
To prevent a possible cancellation, the PFF has requested Pakistan’s Interior Ministry to issue visas on arrival for the Afghan team in a last-minute effort to ensure the match goes ahead as planned.
The Group ‘E’ clash, set for October 9, holds significant importance for both sides. Pakistan and Afghanistan are both seeking their first points in the qualifiers after defeats to Syria and Myanmar. Only the group winner will progress to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, making Thursday’s fixture crucial for both teams.
