Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan was offloaded from a US bound flight at Toronto’s Pearson airport on Friday and questioned by American authorities, Express News reported.
Khan, who has been on a fund raising tour for his party in Canada recently, was travelling to the US to hold meetings with party members and raise further funds for the PTI as elections near.
US State Department spokesperson Laura Lucas told The Express Tribune, “We are aware that Imran Khan was briefly delayed in Toronto before boarding the next flight to the United States. The issue was resolved. Mr Khan is welcome in the United States.”
In a tweet from his official twitter account, Khan narrated the incident thus:
“I was taken off from plane and interrogated by US Immigration in Canada on my views on drones. My stance is known. Drone attacks must stop.”
Express News added that Khan was questioned for half an hour. US immigration officials also reportedly called the PTI chief a 'supporter of Taliban' .
Khan responded that he was not against the US, but opposes some of its policies.
In a subsequent tweet the former Pakistan cricket team captain said that he had missed his flight and will also miss a planned fund raising event in New York.
“Missed flight and sad to miss the Fundraising lunch in NY but nothing will change my stance. Still looking forward to meet PTI family there.”
The Toronto Sun had reported on October 18, 2012, that PTI aimed to raise $50,000 from a fund raising dinner which, PTI Canada president Khawar Chaudhry hoped would draw at least 1,500 attendees.
Twitter in a rage
As news of Imran Khan's offloading and subsequent questioning spread, twitter, where a lot of Khan's supporters and detractors share their opinions, took to picking apart the incident or supporting their leader.
Here are what some of the people tweeted in the aftermath of the the incident.
Afghan Pashtun (GAM)
Strongly support Canadians and Americans against pro-Taliban Imran Khan
Shayan Ali Tejani
Imran Khan shouldn't be allowed to enter the US. Enough said.
Lawyer Salman
Interesting to know that Americans have investigated Imran Khan over the drone attacks issue...
Azeem Wyne
I am not from #PTIbut I think I have sympathies with Imran Khan especially when he acts like a Hero..@ImranKhanPTI
Rehman Anwer
#ImranKhanis not only a politician but a great humanitarian. He doesn't deserve to be randomly stopped & questioned by #USOfficials
Ibad Rehman
As per Govt treaties, US immigration sits at Toronto airport to pre-screen all travelers to USA. Imran Khan and his team was held by them.
Imran Khan 2013
I am Imran Khan and I am in the hearts of 180 million of Pakistanies!#PTI
Sheraz Khan
I wonder what would be govt, stance over the issue of Imran khan offloading from plane at Toronto Airport
Wajahat S. Khan
Imran Khan's last interview to CBC. This may have led to the Canadian authorities going on alert & offloading himhttp://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/10/25/imran-khan-interview.html …
Abdul Aziz
#WikiLeaks showed that IMRAN KHAN is leader who is true to Nation & say same thing of USA which he says in Public. Today it was proven #PTI
COMMENTS (114)
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One thing I fail to understand is how can American authorities question Imran Khan at a Canadian airport?
He is collecting funds from Pakistani origin US nationals who still feel for Pakistan. Unlike other political parties who steal from people of Pakistan @DarKnight:
Get a life, he is against American Givt policies and the fund raising is from US based Pakistanis. There is a huge difference. Better stillthan stealing from your own people and like other parties@Jibran:
SO WHAT'S ,
These are normal security procedures at Canadian airports where US officials do the checking and interrogation. Often this interrogation gets unpleasant.
it is odd that on one hand he is against US policies and want's that army should hit drowns on other hand he is going to US to raise fund for PTI
Missed fundraiser! But why do you have to plan last minute? It is America. Go atleast a week in advance, till then all interrogations and jhatkas and phatkas and tu tu mai mai's will be over!
A cheap Stunt by American.
Why has The Tribune not mentioned that IK was offload and questioned on his views about drone attacks? Every other major international newspaper has mentioned this fact so what is Tribune trying to do?
@Amitabh Bachchan: funny I've thought of doing just that if PTI wins. Won't be able to live in a country whose leader to be is in cahoots with trigger happy death chanting Mullahs.
My uncle's house was robbed in Multan. Lets all stand up and fight Taliban and bomb Waziristan !!!!!! Even if a dog is killed, people blame Taliban and solution is to bomb waziristan. Are you MAD?????????? Imran has never supported violence. Whether that be by Taliban or US.
If PTI doesnt win this election I'll pack and leave this country, bcoz it will not be a place to live for civilized humans --- PTI the only hope
Imran Khan is clearly lying.
US authorities could not have stopped him and questioned on his stance on drone attacks?
Sounds unbelievable.
Imran Khan must disclose what was he really questioned on.
Imran's problem does not rest with America it starts and stops at home in Pakistan.
It was foolish to interrogate IK about his stance on drones. There must be millions living in the USA who may be anti drones. The Americans have not yet issued any statement explaining why Khans are their targets, SRK previously and IK presently.
IK will pass through all challenges without any hinderance. The nation stands behind him.
@Jibran: He is raising funds from his countrymen in the US, not from the US government. So what precisely is your point?
Love you Imran Khan.
Imran Khan is a well known figure in US who by offloading him from a US bound plane have shown their utter displeasure on his known stand on drones and Afghan Taleban. So far in the history of Pakistan, no political party or head of state can rule without American's active support and IK's case is no different. Unfortunately, he has already spoiled his prospect of winning the forthcoming elections by indirectly supporting TTP killings of thousands of innocent Pakistanis and without US backing now, chances of his coming to power looks extremely remote.
Imran Khan should not have gone to US. He should have gone to China instead, in order to establish connection with them, and gauge how welcome he was there. I believe China would not let him enter in order to have their ties with the US in tact, for their own benefit. Who cares for a Pakistan which matters least in the world now, and is in fact a fellow traveler of terrorist elements. Let Drone attacks continue, and kill the Afghan Talibans. It's to our benefit. And what is Imran Khan capable of doing anyway after retiring from cricket. He was tailored for cricket and his kind of cricket is out of date. Politics is entirely a different ball game,and he is a novice in this game.
Dharna did create some ripples. Thumbs up for IK
@Cautious: Mr friendly neighborhood trawler, he was going there to meet with PTI supporters in the USA he wasn't going there to see any USA gov officials.
Irrespective of which party affiliation you have, this is a slap for all of us. Despite our internal differences we should sound in unison when it comes to national pride. US apologised for Shah Rukh khan and this outrageous act necessitate the same.
Wow ! Shows why USA is a powerful nation. Has anyone in Pakistan got the guts to stop Americans from Landing in Pakistan because they kill Pakistanis??
Great idea...i m against america but i will raise fund in america . Quite baffling .
Shows the power of USA. Imran can be stopped by a 'Nobody' from the US authorities at an airport of a third country ! Will the all powerful US government allow him to have any say in the Government of Pakistan by becoming the PM or President? He will have to make a secret pact with USA like all the past and present Politicians and Generals to become 'Somebody'.
@DarKnight: IK needed dollars from PTI dinners not from US govt like PPP and NQ leagues
America Should Know That it Only Made Its Country More Unpopular In Pakistan By Harassing The Most Popular Leader Of Pakistan!!!
IK is correct in his stance that drone attacks are illegal. He is arguably right when he says that drone attacks are counter productive. Emotive verbiage with controversial figures of collateral damage in comparison to conventional attack, employed as argument by PTI, is distracting.
long live freedom of expression. there is no permission to protest against the violation of international law in the United States. No one is allowed to speak against drone attacks which has taken lives of thousand of
people.and creating counterproductive being faced by Pakistan,Afghanistan.
he was offloaded from the plane,who committed no crime,clean-handed hero come to the land telling American people some facts attributed to the war in terror and drone attacks.
Film can be picturized against the last and honorable prophet based on fabricated historical events but no word can be spoken against aggressor's designs,killing of innocent people.
Imran Khan's visit to the Inited States has opened the secret of freedom of expression before the world.After this we should all come to the conclusion that all efforts are not for peace or welfare all are being made for globalization .
Imran should have protested against this incident and rather than taking the next flight to the US he should have gone back to Pakistan or stayed in Canada..
In times like this the country unites and stands behind one of his own. Shameful that the media and the so-called intellectual head honchos try to give reason to this treatment. Its time to fight back. The Pak counsel general should have been on the phone with the US officials as soon as the incident took place. and should have demanded explanation on baseless propaganda/allegations against One of the Heroes of the nation. Shame on the people and the media who are spinning things around to make good viewership. Remember the Khan who brought glory in 1992, The same Khan who brought hope to cancer patients with world class Medical care. The same Khan who gives 90% free education to deserving students.education to GIRLS near the Taliban heartland-did you listen you liberals!!!! Does anyone have the guts to fight against all odds and give so much to the country?!?!? Wake you thankless people. Pakistan is fighting for its survival. Now unite when one son of your soil is treated like this by who- a mediocre immigration clerk? Stand Up!! Make your worth count!!!!!!
Talking about the incident Imran Khan said, " I was taken off from plane and interrogated by US Immigration in Canada on my views on drones. My stance is known. Drone attacks must stop." WA Gi WA, IK ZIndabad
After the interrogation Ik said now my stand is " Drone must be stop" thank God what a brave leader we got.
The dual national have no rights to contest elections but must give most money to Pakistani politicians. If IK does not like the US policies then he should not get funds from its citizens and residents either. It is a simple fact that both major US parties are against Taliban and favor drone strikes. It is not a small majority of Americans but a huge majority that wants to continue to get rid of the terrorists and IK is against that. No wonder the US officials are giving him hard time. IK has no official position in Pakistan and visa and entry is not his right but a privilege by the US and they want to keep the terrorists and their sympathizers out of the US. Why would IK want to go to countries where he is not welcomed? His supporters are free to send him money home.
My vote is definitely for him. Let him come into the power and we'll have few americans stripped down at the airports.
blame the US and then go to USA for funds.............................
I dont know whether people shouting hypocrisy are have malicious intent or whether they are just plain stupid. In either case, I dont see why nobody is pointing out that opposing US government policy on one facet does not make you an enemy of the the entire western population! Imran Khan is most likely collecting funds from Pakistani expats (and maybe even some non-expats) who, while living in the US, share his views. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, more than one opinion does exist in the US, and not all money in the US belongs to the government. Who'd have thought, huh?
And to those of you claiming political stunt, I'm not familiar with procedure on travelling from Canada to the US, but I doubt it involves offloading every single passenger individually - seems a little inefficient, but then what do i know, you guys are the homeland security experts!
High time Imran Khan understood why not to stand up against the terrorists. Plus he has no agenda of structural reforms. He must stop his indirect support to the terrorists. He must stop from being the political spokesman of the devils.
@Ali: He has not stood upto to Taliban. About Taliban fighting in Afganistan, he has said: "It is very clear that whoever is fighting for their freedom is fighting a jihad …" This may be his view but it was disappointing to hear him talk like this. Does he say the same thing about Balochs fighting for their freedom? Or is it Doublespeak?
US is the biggest terrorist
Just goes out clearly that Imran is not cronies of Us or Canada or anyone else... How many times has this happened to other politicians. He is not Pro Taliban... He is anti war. He is only Pro Pakistan. Wake up people.
The internal threat is grearter than external, we should get rid of succide bombers and target killers like one attcked malala.
all the ones ranting that he is against the american policies but go there to ask for money,money is for shaukat khanam not for his political party,ngo is a global institution and is given aid through out the globe,you fake liberals
@Imran Ahsan Mirza "So much with the free speach. Americans should walk the talk."
It is very hypocritical that IK wants dollars to be elected simply to lead a country that needs dollars to subsist. Seems to me like America is subsidizing both the economy and free speech in Pakistan. Besides, he is free to travel anywhere within the States and won't be turned back like he was in his country not too long ago.
This offloading incident is a blessing in disguise for PTI, it serves to internationalize PTI's policy on drone strikes, carried out in collusion with Paki authorities.
By the way who is Imran Khan ?. If he feels he being questianed then why doesn't he go back where he came from. Everyone comesto U.S. with beging bowl.
US has a right to deny entry to undesirable characters.
This is only a taste of things to come for Pakistan. If you stand with Taliban - Then you stand against most of rest of the world. And that isolation is not going to be as benign as it was pre-2000s...
US has a record of denying entry to what it thinks as extremists. It hasn't allowed Narendra Modi to travel to US for past decade. In these cases it is perception of immigration department that matters. At present Imran Khan does come out as a taliban suporter - thus an unwelcome guest in US.
and those supporting tsa's screening process should understand that its pure and simple racial/ethnic profiling.
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/10/26/imran-khan-pulled-off-flight-to-us-for-questioning Record your views n defend your leader on international plateform. Rather than discussing locally offcourse which is more better
lol
its a political stunt. only men of understanding will understand.
Ab aayega maza...every Pakistani show will go berserk on the issue...and also the isue of how US bows down to Indians and not Pakistanis will also come up for sure....HAHAHAHAHAH
So much for freedom of speech.
This is what happens if you are Muslim and that too from Pakistan.
""They can offload Imran Khan from a plan but they cannot offload the spirit of the Great man from his body"" He is here fighting every injustice.He is our Hero our champion and our Leader.
Just wait and watch how fast PTI members in USA, UK and Europe cancel their membership. They all know that their donations to PTI and association with PTI shall be watched. He was questioned for his stance on drone strikes but more importantly on his support for the Talibans. He went overboard by calling that what is going on in Afghanistan is Jihad. His association with Sheikh Rasheed, keeping quiet when Sheikh Rasheed asked Mulla Omar to support him, and attending DPC rallies were being watched by USA. His silence on many issues is also heard very loud and clear. They were somewhat sympathetic to him as he was raising funds for his hospital. But you cannot overdo it. His raise in politics has been so fast and so shall be his fall from politics. He had the best chance to do good for Pakistan but has hurt Pakistan more than anyone else and many in USA will be thinking in their minds that even educated leaders in Pakistan support Talibans. Many fail to understand that the public in USA do not distinguish between the various groups of Talibans. For us all Talibans are bad. USA may be having dialogue with some groups but it is only out of compulsion and circumstances. Also whatever USA may have done in the 80's is of no relevance today as there is new realization and the thinking has changed. Citing those as example will only lead to wrong conclusions.
i would like to tell everybody its very common on US airports if your are a "green passport" holder, the immigration officials makes you mad with stupid and senseless questions, i have been through this, so Imran should not mind it happens with every Paki!
Mr.Khan has a long way to go before becoming a 'leader'. He still does not blame the Taliban for anything except to say that they are fighting the good fight. His views on the Malala attack was nothing short of pathetic. He said that there are many groups impersonating the Taliban and bringing them a bad name. Can he point to anything good that the Taliban has EVER done?
Khan saab you're legandary! Keep up with your stance and these fools will surely understand the wisdom behind it. I just hope it's not too late.
Anyone who calls Taliban war in Afghanistan a Jihad, is basically inciting Muslims all over the world to go there in Afghanistan, and kill American troops. His name should have been in the no-fly list, by any rule imaginable. The US Admin did the right thing.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/14/imran-khan-taliban-afghanistan-islam
@Ch. Allah Daad:
So sad to know that. When I lived in the US, they did tolerate difference of opinion. The country is only as good as the people who populate it at a given point. I guess this is a different America than the one in "Little House on the Prairie"
@Ali: "Check your facts. He does stand up to the Taliban." That's a bold faced lie.
@Leila Rage:
Standing up to the US is easy? Which planet did you recently move to Earth from?
Typical politician -- when in front of camera's he spends all his time bad mouthing the USA -- when the camera's go off he asking for their money.
@Jibran:
Really? America does not like Pakistan buts sells Coca Cola here. What would you call that?
@Imran Ahsan Mirza:
Really? You expect that from people who sold dud mortgages to their own countrymen, destroying the lives of millions? Think again (and again).
@sabi:
Really? You think standing up for the innocent drone victims in un-natural? You should stop reading Ayn Rand--it is twisting your morality beyond repair.
@M:
No, the poor and needy, especially the cancer patients, depend on Mr. M for their welfare. What odorous piffle!
@DarKnight:
Pure piffle!
IK openly stated that he will not criticize Taliban or they will target his party workers. We will have to accept that little girl Malala has more courageous than most of us
@Amin Hussain:
Imran, may the Force be with you!
@babla:
Good point. Let's see if Imran gets an apology like Shah Rukh did. I am not holding my breath through.
@Gagnam Ishtyle:
Your H1-B visa application must be stuck. Keep spitting piffle!
Why does Imran Khan want to visit the US when he was condemning the US for those drone strikes? It doesn't look dignified IMO.
only a true leader can face such a situation so boldly. Finally we got a leader who ll take pak out from this chaos! Wazir e Azam Imran Khan!!!!!
Just half an hour? Imran must have given them a real ear bashing! Well done.
So much with the free speach. Americans should walk the talk.
Time for another dharna
@Fundar: I thought Imran Khan was taking a lesson from Malala. He is trying to stop US predator drones which are routinely killing innocent children. The Drones are ensuring that very large numbers of children will never be educated.
@Fundar:
He did. And now he needs to stand up for the whole country to save us from committing a suicide!
Hahahaha, so much for Taliban-Khan's fund-raising - Not like any of this money would be used to help the poor or needy.
Americans tolerate him because he collects donations for his hospital. For his political ambitions, he will get different kind of treatment.
Imran khan it hurts that you were off-loaded.Sorry for that inconvenience.Just because of your un natural stand.
Some opportunity this would have been for these lowly immigration officials to learn a thing or two about their flawed foreign policy from the man himself.
Imran Khan does not need American Aid but badly needs their Dollars..........
At Pearson Airport, passengers who travel to USA are pre-screened by US immigration. Its normal to interrogate all passengers but special attention is paid to Arabs and Pakistanis. The questions asked from Imran Khan are very normal. Perhaps, no one in US immigration knew Imran Khan, nor knew his relationship with Taliban just like staff at a US airport did not know Shahrukh Khan. Imran is following foot steps of Sheikh Rashid and using normal formalities to score some political points.
The question: Does a country has a right to stop anyone who is on the side of its enemy?Also, if Sharukh khan can be detained why not imran?
standing up to external threats like the usa is easy. the real test is standing up to internal threats- like the taliban who are taking control of the northern areas....
The Empire strikes back!
Here is a question. Was he really interrogated or was this an opportunity to deliver some intelligence in a controlled environment? (conspiracy theory)
@Fundar: Check your facts. He does stand up to the Taliban. Clearly and consistently. This man is a pure legend.
Well, at least he didn't lie or try to cover up the episode. And why are people making such an issue out of it? I mean he's not an elected member or a diplomat. He's just another citizen of Pakistan.
He may just get sympathy votes for this ...
Hypocrisy! Against US policies, but fundraising in the US.
Two years back they banned Dr. Zakir Naik too by taking his words and statements out of context.Same strategy with Imran Khan.
When you can't debate with him then ban him.
Whatsoever reason us show govt must protest on this issue but How can they protest to their masters?indian govt stood for an actor but we can't speak for pakistan ,s most honest person.How shameful it will be if govt remained silent
salute you Imran khan for standing up for what you believe in. U have my vote for #respect too .its confirm now that u r making a difference,keep up ur great courageous work. None of the inspiring people had easy journey.we are standing with you no matter what !
@Fundar: Why you cant get it? Anti drones doesn't mean pro Taliban. Amnesty, Human rights watch are all against drones. Any civilized person would demand fair trial and not death without trial. Many innocent women children die and their relatives join Taliban
salute you imran khan for standing up for what you believe in. U have my vote for respect too .its confirm that u r making a difference,keep up high your courage. we are standing with you no matter what.. None of the inspiring people had easy journey.
just a normal screening process... get over it... if u want to go to US then abide by their policies... happens to majority of Pakistanis...
Just because he is against the Drone attacks, it does not make him a supporter of Talibans. I say McCarthyism is alive and is being practiced here. Any one who comes from certain part of the globe is guilty until proven innocent; that's the mantra.
It doesn't look good on U.S. part to treat a person like IK who could be at the helm of affairs next year...there are other more constructive ways to have this conversation...by the way, NY event is still on...
The only man who has the ability to rescue Pakistan out of the ongoing extremist tumult by establishing rule of law and transparent governance has been held by the Americans. Little doubt as to why US has such low standing on our shores and why abject failure is all US has met thus far.
@Fundar..Ik has stood up against all kind of terrorists be it Talibans or US killer drones..Its time for you to stand up against US imperialism.
Take a lesson from malala..stand up to Taliban too