Pakistani diplomat deported from US over visa issues
In a diplomatic setback for Islamabad, the United States denied entry to Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, K K Wagan, and deported him from Los Angeles over “controversial visa references,” Pakistani media reported on Tuesday.
Wagan was reportedly traveling to Los Angeles for a personal visit when he was stopped by US immigration authorities upon arrival. Despite his diplomatic status, he was deported immediately after being flagged for visa irregularities.
The Pakistani Foreign Office confirmed the incident, stating that Wagan was on a private visit and that an investigation is underway. “Ambassador K K Wagan was deported from the US due to an immigration objection,” a senior Pakistani Foreign Ministry official told local media.
Reports suggest that Wagan may be summoned to Islamabad to explain the situation.
The incident comes amid speculation that US President Donald Trump may impose a travel ban on Pakistani citizens, citing security concerns. Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, acknowledged that some travel restrictions could be introduced by the Trump administration due to rising terrorism-related incidents in Pakistan.
Earlier this month, the US State Department issued a travel advisory, warning American citizens against travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and potential armed conflict. The advisory specifically mentioned Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), as high-risk areas.
The advisory highlighted that terrorist groups may target transportation hubs, markets, military installations, airports, universities, schools, and places of worship, with little or no warning. It also noted that US diplomats and diplomatic facilities have been targeted in the past.
