Pakistani Ambassador Deported from US Amid Visa Controversy
The US authorities' decision to deport Wagan has raised concerns about the impact on diplomatic relations between the two countries, with Pakistan seeking to understand the reasons behind the immigration objection and the implications for its citizens traveling to the US.
The US denied entry to Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, K.K. Ahsan Wagan, and deported him from Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, despite holding a valid US visa and necessary travel documents. The deportation was due to an immigration objection, with reports suggesting it was related to "controversial visa references".
The incident has raised concerns about diplomatic protocol and the US response, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming that Wagan was visiting the US for personal reasons and an investigation is underway. The Pakistani government has sought clarity from the US State Department on reports that the country may be included on a list of nations whose citizens would face tougher visa scrutiny.
US media had suggested that Pakistanis may undergo "more scrutiny" when applying for a visa, but not an outright ban on travel. However, the incident has sparked questions about potential restrictions on Pakistani citizens' travel to the US. The Foreign Office has clarified that the matter is being investigated and that the diplomat was not deported, but rather returned to his point of departure.
The incident has embarrassed the Pakistani government, which is already dealing with the possibility of a US travel ban on Pakistanis. Pakistan's foreign minister and other officials have been briefed on the issue, and Wagan is likely to be summoned to Islamabad for an explanation. The Pakistani government is seeking to resolve the matter and clarify the reasons behind the deportation.
