In an unprecedented diplomatic incident, the United States has denied entry to the Pakistan ambassador to Turkmenistan, Kk Ahsan Wagan, and has deported it from Los Angeles on Tuesday.
According to a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan (FO), Wagan, who had a valid US visa. And all the necessary travel documents, traveling to Los Angeles for a private visit when the United States immigration authorities arrested him.
The official confirmed that the problem was related to an immigration objection, although the exact nature of the problem remains unclear.
The reports suggest that Wagan was marked by the United States immigration system due to “controversial visa references”, which led to its immediate deportation. He was returned to his starting point, asking questions about the diplomatic protocol and the United States response to the incident.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed that Wagan was visiting the United States for personal reasons. A ministry spokesman declared that an investigation on deportation is being carried out, urging the public to refrain from speculation until all the facts are clear.
Diplomatic history
Wagan is an experienced diplomat with extensive experience in Pakistan’s external service. His previous papers include serving as second secretary at the Pakistan embassy in Katmandu, general attachment of the consul in Los Angeles and ambassador to Muscat, Oman.
He has also held key positions in consular matters, crisis management and supervision of Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in several countries.
Broader concerns about US visa policies.
Deportation occurs in the midst of the growing concerns about possible restrictions for the trips of Pakistani citizens to the United States. Last week, reports indicated that Pakistan could be added to a list of countries that face a harder visa scrutiny as part of US immigration reforms.
A Reuters report suggested that Pakistan could be included in a list of nations whose citizens could face entry prohibitions due to concerns about illegal immigration. However, a subsequent report of the New York Times said that, although Pakistani could not face a direct travel ban, they could face high scrutiny when requesting visas.
The reports also indicate that Pakistan could be placed in a category of “orange”, which would impose limitations to certain types of visas, particularly business trips for richer people, while prohibiting tourist and immigrants visas. If they are implemented, these restrictions could also shorten the validity of the visa and require interviews in person for all applicants.
As the situation develops, Pakistan continues to seek clarifications from the US authorities about the matter.
