ISLAMABAD: In a rare diplomatic episode, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, K.K. Ahsan Wagan, was denied entry into the United States and deported from Los Angeles despite possessing a valid visa and complete travel documents.
The incident, reported by multiple Pakistani media outlets, has raised questions over US immigration procedures and potential diplomatic repercussions.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO), Wagan was travelling to Los Angeles for a personal visit when he was stopped by US immigration authorities at the airport. Reports suggest that he was flagged in the immigration system due to “controversial visa references,” leading to his immediate deportation. He was sent back to his last point of departure, though specific details regarding the nature of the concerns remain undisclosed.
FO responds to controversy
The Foreign Office (FO) in Islamabad confirmed that Wagan’s visit was private and not related to his official duties. In a statement on Tuesday, an FO spokesperson stated that an investigation into the matter was underway. The ministry urged the public and media to avoid speculation until further details emerged.
The spokesperson also emphasised that Wagan held a valid visa and met all legal travel requirements. However, diplomatic sources hinted at possible administrative issues related to his previous postings, particularly in the US, which may have played a role in the decision.
Wagan’s diplomatic career
A career diplomat with extensive experience, Wagan has held multiple key positions in Pakistan’s foreign service. His past roles include second secretary at the Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu, deputy consul general in Los Angeles, and Pakistan’s ambassador to Muscat, Oman. Additionally, he has served as minister and charge d’affaires in Niamey, Niger, and has played a crucial role in crisis management and consular affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.
Given the high-profile nature of the incident, Wagan is likely to be called back to Islamabad for an internal review of the situation. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Aamna Baloch have reportedly been briefed on the matter, and Pakistan’s Consulate in Los Angeles has been directed to investigate the case further.
Concerns over US visa restrictions
The development comes amid growing concerns over possible travel restrictions on Pakistani nationals entering the US. Recent reports suggest that Pakistan could be placed under increased visa scrutiny as part of broader US immigration reforms.
A Reuters report indicated that Pakistan might be added to an “orange” category list, which would impose selective visa restrictions. These could include limiting visas to business travellers while barring tourist and immigrant visas for most applicants. If enforced, such measures would require in-person interviews for all Pakistani visa seekers and potentially shorten visa validity.
While the New York Times later reported that Pakistan was not facing an outright travel ban, heightened immigration checks have become a focal point in US-Pakistan relations. As investigations continue, Islamabad is reportedly seeking a formal explanation from Washington, with diplomatic observers closely monitoring whether this case signals a broader shift in US visa policies for Pakistani officials and citizens alike.