Pakistani diplomat denied entry to US amid immigration concerns

In a diplomatic setback for Pakistan, a senior diplomat was denied entry into the United States despite possessing a valid visa and the required documentation, according to a report by The News, a prominent Pakistani media outlet.

KK Wagan, serving as Pakistan's ambassador to Turkmenistan, was intercepted by U.S. immigration officials upon his arrival in Los Angeles and subsequently deported.

The report, citing an unnamed source from the Pakistan foreign ministry, indicated that the diplomat faced an "immigration objection."

Mr. Wagan, an experienced diplomat, was visiting Los Angeles for personal reasons.

Although he traveled with a valid U.S. visa and appropriate travel documents, immigration officials raised concerns regarding adherence to diplomatic protocol. Specific concerns were noted about "controversial visa references," though the report, mentioning diplomatic sources, did not provide further details on these issues.

Following the objections, Mr. Wagan was required to return to his point of departure.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior officials have been informed of the situation, with Mr. Wagan likely to be called to Islamabad to provide an account of the incident.

GeoTV, another Pakistani news outlet, confirmed through foreign office sources that Mr. Wagan was on a private trip to Los Angeles and stated that a thorough investigation into the incident is underway.

The episode represents a significant embarrassment for Islamabad amid circulating reports that then-U.S. President Donald Trump was considering implementing a travel ban on Pakistan, potentially restricting Pakistani nationals' entry into the United States.