US denies entry to Pakistan's ambassador, deports him
What's the story
In an unusual diplomatic development, KK Wagan, Pakistan's ambassador to Turkmenistan, was denied entry into the United States and deported.
The incident marks a rare diplomatic standoff between the two nations and comes shortly after the US government, under President Donald Trump, issued a travel advisory warning American citizens against visiting Pakistan due to security concerns.
He was traveling to Los Angeles when he was stopped by immigration authorities at the airport.
Deportation details
Wagan deported despite valid US visa
The Pakistani ambassador was allegedly deported over an "immigration objection," a senior official from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said, according to reports.
The News, quoting sources, said Wagan was deported after the US immigration system detected "controversial visa references."
However, the US did not provide specific concerns that led to the envoy's deportation.
Wagan was holding a valid US visa and all necessary travel documents.
Diplomatic response
Pakistan's top diplomatic leadership informed
The matter has been escalated to Pakistan's top diplomatic leadership.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Aamna Baloch have been briefed on the situation, and Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has instructed its consulate in Los Angeles to investigate the issue further.
In its travel advisory on Friday, the US State Department highlighted security concerns in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating, "Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilians...local military and police targets."