Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, K.K. Wagan, was denied entry into the United States and deported from Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to news agency PTI’s diplomatic sources.
Wagan, who holds a valid US visa and all required travel documents, was stopped by US immigration authorities at the Los Angeles International Airport.
A senior official from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed to the news agency that the ambassador was deported due to an “immigration objection” and was forced to return to his last port of departure.
The incident has raised concerns over diplomatic protocol, particularly the nature of the decision to deport a senior diplomat. Wagan was reportedly in the US on a private visit at the time of the incident. Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed the situation and stated that an investigation into the matter is underway.
While the specific reason for his deportation remains unclear, earlier PTI’s report suggested that the US immigration system flagged Wagan over “controversial visa references,” leading to his immediate deportation. The US authorities have yet to provide detailed clarification on the matter.
Wagan is a seasoned diplomat with a wealth of experience in Pakistan’s foreign service. His previous roles have included second secretary at the Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu, deputy consul general in Los Angeles, and ambassador to Muscat, Oman. He has also held senior positions within Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including heading the Overseas Pakistanis, Consular Affairs, and Crisis Management Unit.
Given the gravity of the situation, diplomatic sources suggest that Wagan may be called back to Islamabad to explain his position. The incident has already been communicated to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Aamna Baloch, who have been briefed on the matter.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed its Consulate in Los Angeles to investigate the case further. Officials have also advised against speculating on the reasons behind the deportation.