In a rare diplomatic gaffe, Pakistan's ambassador to Turkmenistan, KK Ahsan Wagan, was refused entry into the US and later deported from Los Angeles despite holding a valid visa and requisite travel papers. In a report by The News, it was said that Wagan had arrived in Los Angeles on his way to enjoy a vacation there when he was halted by the US immigration officers at the time of arrival.
Quoting sources, the report added that Wagan's deportation was prompted by "controversial visa references" picked up by the US immigration system. American authorities, however, have not revealed the exact issues that prompted the move.
After the incident, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch were informed about the issue. The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Pakistan has since ordered its consulate in Los Angeles to carry out an investigation.
The report also suggested that Wagan could be called back to Islamabad to explain the situation.
Wagan is an experienced diplomat who has served in various important positions in Pakistan's foreign service. Prior to taking up his present assignment as envoy to Turkmenistan, he was serving as the second secretary at Pakistan's embassy in Kathmandu and was also the deputy consul general at the Pakistani consulate in Los Angeles.
Pakistani media outlets indicated that the incident was not connected with wider diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Administrative grievances during Wagan's earlier stint in the US may have instead affected the decision to block his entry.
In the meantime, Reuters has recently reported that the Trump administration is set to unveil a new travel ban which may place restrictions on Pakistani citizens attempting to enter the United States.
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