Islamabad/Los Angeles: Was K K Ahsan Wagan, Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkmenistan, suspected of being involved in espionage when posted in the US in the past? Wagan was recently denied entry to the US and deported from the Los Angeles airport, though he claimed that his papers were in order.
While an embarrassed Pakistan has summoned him to explain why he was denied entry to the United States, media reports from that country have quoted sources as saying that the move could have something to do with ‘administrative complaints’ against the seasoned diplomat when he was serving in the US.
Wagan had served as the deputy consul general at the Pakistani consulate in Los Angeles before being elevated to the post of ambassador.
‘Administrative complaints’ may arise against a diplomat if he or she is suspected of being involved in espionage. The News – a media house in Pakistan – has reported that the US immigration system detected ‘controversial visa references’, before it was decided to deport Wagan.
The Pakistan foreign ministry was quick to clarify that this decision by the US has nothing to do with any diplomatic policy or present ties between the two nations. The Donald Trump administration had recently issued a travel advisory for US citizens, cautioning them against visiting certain parts of Pakistan such as Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Reuters has also reported that the Trump administration would soon announce a travel ban on Pakistan, restricting entry of that country’s citizens to the US.
Though Wagan’s deportation may not have anything to do with this, the move is certainly extremely rare. Though Wagan was travelling to the US on vacation, it is highly uncommon for a diplomat to be treated in that manner. The Pakistan foreign ministry has directed its consulate in Los Angeles to look into the matter and report back.
