US immigration denies entry to Pakistani envoy in Turkmenistan

Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkmenistan, K K Wagan, was denied entry into the United States by immigration authorities and subsequently deported from Los Angeles. The incident has raised concerns among diplomatic circles, with many calling it an alarming development for the country.

A Foreign Ministry official confirmed to the media that the incident occurred while authorities were seeking details regarding the reason for Wagan’s entry denial. The ministry also confirmed that he possessed all the required documents, including a valid US visa.

Wagan was visiting Los Angeles on a personal trip when the immigration system flagged him with a "controversial visa reference" upon arrival. Following this, authorities barred him from entering the country, compelling him to return to his last port of departure.

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The decision to deport Wagan sparked questions about diplomatic protocol and the reasoning behind the move.

The incident has drawn attention from the Foreign Ministry, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar initiating a probe into the matter. The Pakistani Consulate in Los Angeles has also been directed to gather details regarding the incident.

So far, neither the Foreign Ministry nor Ambassador Wagan has issued an official statement on the matter. Wagan may be recalled to Pakistan to brief authorities on the background of the incident.

It is pertinent to note that K K Wagan is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in various diplomatic missions. His past roles include serving as Second Secretary at the Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu, Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, Deputy Head of Mission and Ambassador in Muscat, Oman, Minister/Charge d’Affaires/Head of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan in Niamey, Niger, as well as Director General of Overseas Pakistanis, Consular Affairs, and Crisis Management Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.