In an unprecedented diplomatic incident, the United States denied entry to the Pakistan ambassador to Turkmenistan, KK Ahsan Wagan, and expelled him from Los Angeles on Tuesday.
According to a senior official of the Pakistani Foreign Affairs (FO), Wagan, who organized a valid American visa and all the necessary travel documents, went to Los Angeles for a private visit when he was arrested by the American immigration authorities.
The manager confirmed that the question was linked to an immigration objection, although the exact nature of the problem remains uncertain.
The reports suggest that Wagan was reported by the American immigration system due to “controversial visa references”, which led to its immediate deportation. He was sent back to his starting point, raising questions about the diplomatic protocol and the American response to the incident.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed that Wagan visited the United States for personal reasons. A ministry spokesman said that an expulsion investigation was underway, urging the public to refrain from speculation until all the facts are clear.
Diplomatic context
Wagan is a seasoned diplomat with a large experience in the external service of Pakistan. His previous roles include the post of second secretary at the Pakistan Embassy in Kathmandu, the assistant consul general in Los Angeles and the Muscat ambassador, Oman.
He also held key positions in consular affairs, crisis management and monitoring of Pakistan diplomatic missions in various countries.
Wider concerns about American visa policies
Expulsion comes in the midst of increasing concerns about potential restrictions on the trips of Pakistani citizens to the United States. Last week, reports indicated that Pakistan could be added to a list of countries faced with a meticulous examination of visas in the context of American immigration reforms.
A Reuters report suggested that Pakistan could be included in a list of nations whose citizens could deal with prohibitions due to concerns about illegal immigration. However, a later report by the New York Times noted that even if the Pakistani people may not face a pure and simple travel ban, they could face an in -depth examination during the visa request.
The reports also indicate that Pakistan could be placed in an “orange” category, which would impose limits on certain types of visas, in particular business trips for richer people, while prohibiting tourist and immigrant visas. If they are implemented, these restrictions could also shorten the validity of visas and require interviews in person for all candidates.
As the situation develops, Pakistan continues to request clarification from the American authorities on the issue.
