Despite having visa, Pakistani diplomat denied US entry
text_fields
Photo: X/@SouleFacts
Pakistan's ambassador to Turkmenistan, KK Wagan, was refused entrance into the United States and then deported from Los Angeles, The News, a Pakistani newspaper, stated, citing diplomatic sources.
According to PTI, Wagan was deported after being stopped by immigration officials at Los Angeles International Airport despite having a valid US visa and the required travel documents. A senior official from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deportation, citing an unidentified immigration-related objection as the reason.
“The ambassador faced an immigration issue that led to his deportation,” the PTI reported the official saying. Wagan was allegedly made to return to his last port of departure by US authorities, which raised questions about diplomatic protocol and the rationale for the decision.
According to PTI, Pakistan's Foreign Office confirmed that Wagan had visited the US on a private trip and stated that an inquiry was being conducted into the incident. The ministry advised people not to speculate about the occurrence, Indian Express reported.
Although the precise reasons for Wagan's deportation are still unknown, the news agency reported that people acquainted with the issue indicated that his name might have been alerted because of "controversial visa references" in the US immigration system.
Wagan has been with Pakistan's diplomatic service for a long time and is a seasoned diplomat. He has held important diplomatic positions throughout the years, including senior positions in Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and postings in Kathmandu, Los Angeles, Muscat, and Niamey, according to the PTI.
According to the PTI, Wagan is anticipated to be invited back to Islamabad to give an explanation given the seriousness of the matter. According to reports, the issue has been discussed with Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Aamna Baloch and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. According to the news agency, the Foreign Ministry has directed its consulate in Los Angeles to look into the incident.
