US Rejects Entry for Pakistani Diplomat, Deports from Los Angeles

Synopsis

In a significant diplomatic incident, the US has denied entry to K K Wagan, Pakistan's envoy to Turkmenistan, citing controversial visa references. The Pakistani Foreign Office is investigating the matter as it unfolds amid concerns about potential travel restrictions on Pakistani citizens by the new US administration.

Key Takeaways

The US denied entry to Pakistani Ambassador K K Wagan.
Deportation was due to controversial visa references.
Pakistan's Foreign Office is investigating the incident.
Concerns about US travel restrictions on Pakistanis are rising.
US advisory warns citizens against traveling to Pakistan.

Islamabad, March 11 (NationPress) In a significant setback for Islamabad, the United States has refused entry to a senior Pakistani diplomat and subsequently deported him from Los Angeles due to controversial visa references, according to local media reports from Pakistan on Tuesday.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, K K Wagan, was reportedly en route to Los Angeles for personal reasons when he was halted by US immigration officials upon his arrival.

The US authorities flagged Wagan concerning controversial visa references, which resulted in his immediate deportation. The precise details behind the US authorities' concerns remain unclear.

The Pakistani Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday that their officer was in the US for a private visit. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the envoy's deportation.

“Ambassador K K Wagan was deported from the US due to an immigration objection,” a senior official from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying by local media.

Several reports suggest that Wagan may be summoned back to Islamabad to present his account of the incident.

This event unfolds amid speculation that US President Donald Trump might soon enact a travel ban affecting visitors from Pakistan, in an effort to limit their entry into the country.

Pakistan's Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, acknowledged on Monday that the new US administration under President Donald Trump might introduce certain travel restrictions on Pakistani citizens. Malik noted that the US has voiced concerns regarding the increase in terrorism-related incidents in Pakistan.

Islamabad is apprehensive that, alongside Afghanistan, Pakistan will likely be included in the list prepared by the Trump administration to impose a new travel ban based on a government review of security and vetting risks.

Earlier this month, the US Department of State issued a travel advisory urging American citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. It specifically advised against traveling to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces, which include the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism risks.

Terrorism and the persistent violence from extremist factions have resulted in indiscriminate attacks on civilians, as well as military and police targets throughout Pakistan. Terrorists may strike with little or no warning, targeting transport hubs, markets, shopping centers, military installations, airports, educational institutions, tourist sites, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. The advisory also mentioned that terrorists have previously targeted US diplomats and diplomatic facilities.