Khan was earlier pulled off a New York-bound plane by US immigration officials and interrogated about his view on American drone strikes.
Khan was headed to New York to attend a fund raiser organised by his party when he was stopped by US officials in Toronto on Friday, he 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," he wrote on Twitter.
Officials from Khan's party said the delay meant he missed his flight and was late for the party fundraising event in New York, but he insisted "nothing will change my stance".
"My stand on drones is very clear. I did not say sorry to them," Khan said after arriving in New York, according to a news channel.
"I still couldn't understand why they did this. The official was questioning me about drones but I think he himself didn't understand what he was talking about," he added.
The US ambassador to Pakistan "knew that I will always oppose the drone attack, then why (did) they issue me visa", he later said at the fund raising event.
Ali Zaidi, a senior party leader demanded "a prompt and thorough inquiry into this sordid episode" and sought "an unconditional apology from the US government".
US officials in Washington declined to comment.
COMMENTS (88)
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@Umer: Please don't Lie, when did he supported Taliban, He is Anti War and all those who are Anti-War are actually Pro-Taliban for you isn't? Please be clear and stop distracting the facts. Khan is talking about solution otherwise we will be in Civil War. I cannot understand Do people are happy with the war, if yes then go on. On one side they hate the war and other side if someone is providing peace solution they call him Taliban supporter. I think first people should come with the solution, at least Khan has provided us.
@Suhail Karim: @Jat: In Slang ‘JAT’ mean a fool. Sir you do fit into this description.
@Asma: @Suhail Karim: It means ignorant too!
Got to keep the kids happy ! Please let me know how many times you want it to be repeated. :)
Muslims are the strangest people. The US/Israel/NATO combo are constantly introducing plans that will divide Moslem countries and therefore have them fighting and killing each other. At the same time the aforesaid combo are constantly harassing, bombing and killing Muslims, especially children, and when a politician such as Imran Khan gets up to fix the problem a large percentage of Muslims do a put-down on him. I am not a supporter of the Taliban, but the number of people killed by them pales into insignificance compared to the number killed by US/Israel/NATO forces. It is strange that US/Israel/NATO forces know to a person how many the Taliban have killed, but cannot, or will not release accurate figures for the people they have bombed, killed or injured as a result of their involvement in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Serbia, Syria, Palestine, Vietnam, Korea, and approximately thirty other countries. But then, if Muslims support Western interests, and let them get away with it, why should the West bother, and/or change their ways? I can only hope that Imran Khan has a few colleagues who feel the same way that he does. Nobody is perfect, but I consider he is doing a great job, almost on his own. Pakistan is a mess due to US involvement, but somebody has to start clearing it up sometime and Imran Khan is the man of the moment. After all, can Imran Khan be worse than the current leaders, and do the Pakistanis wish to wait another 11 years? I do not think so.
Well done America , This is called cut throat policy against Jihad and it's supporters . When this man came in politics then I thought that he will be able to pull the country from the current mess but in a short time he started to show his true colour . TTP is also not supporting him therefore his political career is bound to face an embryonic death .
@Sultan: "Imran does not support he Taliban–he has said so on numerous occasion" Well then he says different things at different times. Here is a video where he clearly supports the Afghan Taliban by giving credence to their claims of jihad - which is religiously mandated overlooking the fact that these people are also killing innocent civilians and are certainly unpopular with Afghans themselves who have already experienced their cruel regime during 1996-2001 and do not see them as liberators of any sort. http://tribune.com.pk/multimedia/videos/450148/. His specific words are: “what you said about in Afghanistan, look, Jihad is a very simple thing, when I fight for my freedom, that is Jihad. This is the Quran’s verses – instructions. Whoever is fighting for their freedom is Jihad. So those fighting in Afghanistan against foreign occupation, this is Jihad.”
@zadesk: "Sir, you are negating your constitution, the freedom of expression."
I am not a Pakistani Amerian but will still reply 1. The free speech in the constitution applies to all American citizens and residents. 2. Entry into US to non-Americans is not a right granted in American constitution - so he was not denied any rights. 3. Imran's statement that killing of AMerican soldiers and Afghan civilians by Afghan Taliban is jihad and thus a religious obligation - would not have attracted the provision of free speech. So Imran is lucky to not be an AMerican citizen otherwise he could be sued by soeone in American courts for incitement to murder.
Imran's statement that US should have denied him the visa in view of his known stance on drones rather than question him at immigration is disingenuous for 2 reaspns a. it is unlikely that it was his view on drones that got him the unwanted attention. More likely that it was hi recently expressed views on Afghan Taliban waging jihad since he had entered US freely in the past despite his known stance on drones. b. it is most likely that he had a 10 year multiple entry visa to US and granting him the visa is not a recent occurrence.
@Sidewinder:
Thank you for the piffle. Imran is a human. We want him to live and put his plan in motion, not become a grave stone. Any more balderdash?
dont blame IK....its safe to criticize America.....its dangerous to criticize Taliban.....and IK loves his life like everyone else...
...and what about all the innocent victims at the hands of the Talibans, whom you defend so vehemently? I am not sure whether in this country victims have more rights or the offenders?
@Mohamed Bobat:
"On the other hand, Imran Khan’s Pakistan has thousand’s of years of history!"
I had heard about history books prescribed for children in schools in Pakistan were totally distorted and perverted by your "education experts", but I didn't know that a grown-up Pakistani man writing comments in the ET column would be so ignorant and dumb as to call "Imran Khan's Pakistan" having a "thousand years of history". May I remind you -- and others of your kind -- that Pakistan is only 65 years old and has no history other than what is defined as India. Please, Sir, spare yourself the embarrassment and don't utter such things in public, lest someone may be less kind and insult you openly. As for "Imran Khan's Pakistan", you will probably be the first one to spit at your current hero the moment he starts showing his true colours. He was not welcomed in America but you and I know that he comes here for the money and yet has the temerity to criticize America, but hesitates for nearly a week before issuing a mild "regret" over the attack on a brave 14-year old girl called Malala who stands up to ruthless killers and puts Pakistani men (including Imran Khan) to shame for cowing before these savages.
@Cautious: Re-soliciting money. Have you ever heard of US aid to Israel. I think at the last count it was about $114 Billion and climbing.
@Fahad: "Jihad is against the us and nato not against the innocent people . This must be planned and conducted by us puppets playing in their hands for the sake of money like TTP Pakistan do in Pakistan."
Am sure you mean well. Please share some information with us which shows this blast was the work of US puppets. What I don't understand is what would the Americans gain by this. Please shed some light on this too.
By the way, why doesn't the Pakistan Army take some action against the TTP ? Why don't leaders (sic) like Imran Khan take out peace marches against the beheading of Pakistan soldiers ?
@Caramelized_Onion:
Wow, I watched the speech. This man is dangerous--he will turn Pakistan into a peaceful, prosperous country!! The thought of him becoming PM is more scary than Godzilla attacking Tokyo. Let's have more drivel--he must be stopped at costs to defeat his nefarious designs!
@Ashraf P:
By and large, Yes. Any other questions?
@Polpot:
There is a difference between slander and critique. But people supporting ex Cambodian communists names tend to have a problem telling a goose from an gander!
@Asma: "@Suhail Karim: It means ignorant too!"
Your knowledge is quite impressive ! :)
@Suhail Karim: It means ignorant too!
@DarKnight:
Imran does not hate America; he just wants to a friend, not a slave
@Umer:
Imran does not support he Taliban--he has said so on numerous occasion; however, it is quite clear from he piffle that you write is that you support the IDL (Imran Defamation League)!
why is this guy raising money in the country that he says he will not take any aid from and blames for every evil in the world. Does he have no shame? On the other hand why is US allowing islamist terrorist sympathizers to get the US visa? Doesnt US see that by allowing him to enter the US to raise money they are indirectly sponsoring terrorism as all this money is going to a party that wants talibans to succeed in Afghanistan and also wants sharia in pakistan. Moreover, per US law he should not get visa as he is a felon per US law (He has been declared a deadbeat dad who never paid child support: California court).
@sabi: "I saw a picture (kabul bomb) of a young boy age 10 wearing white shalwar qamiz specially prepared for eid. This young innocent child is seen crying alone with his cloth partly red-blooded after the attack with his brothers and father dead. This picture made me wept from the bottom of my heart."
Well, what can one do except to try and make people understand. But it is difficult when the establishment is using the same jihad as an instrument of the state policy.
@Suhail Karim: "In Slang ‘JAT’ mean a fool. Sir you do fit into this description."
:) Happy ?
@Jat: Some basic rules for jihad Dont kill, children. women old people those not particpaing in war, Priests.padree,others associated with religious places Dont desroy public property such as trees, water reservoir ,hospitals schools.etc
@Jat: Imran Khan’s jihad:
"KABUL: A suicide bomber killed at least 41 people, including five children, when he struck at a mosque in northern Afghanistan after Eidul Azha prayers on Friday, officials said."
I saw a picture (kabul bomb) of a young boy age 10 wearing white shalwar qamiz specially prepared for eid.This young innocent child is seen crying alone with his cloth partly red-blooded after the attack with his brothes and father dead.This picture made me wept from the bottom of my heart.Shame on those who call it jihad.They will be answerable on the day of judgement if not in this world.
@Jat: In Slang 'JAT' mean a fool. Sir you do fit into this description.
Hate America, but love Dollars
'Pakistan sacrificed everyday'
ya ..so ..does'nt it get economic, milatary aid because of it from the last 5 decades..nothing new ..Imran just woke up last decade..but Pakistan has always been bailed out by the Saudis, Americans and even the Chinese (atleast military)
@Zahra: "you seem to be a rather cynical person aged 35-40, with nothing better to do" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ And you madam seem to be 25-35 with no courtesy that on a discussion board you may attack the views of a poster but not the poster him/her self.
@Tariq Bashir: "And being an Indian is not shameful- just be honest!" ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This is a discussion board to comment on ideas and views. This is not the Paksitani senate & SC where Nationality & Honesty is the major subject.
IK is a good leader, like to see him as PM of Pakistan.
@Mohamed Bobat: Is Pakitan more than 60 years old? When was the word 'Pakistan coined'? Why are you guys in self delusion that you have a 1000 year old history?
The kind of narrative Imran Khan is endorsing convinces even a ranked optimist that there's no hope left. The senseless sloganeering and rightist jingoism has thrown us into a morass and tragedy is that we still are totally unable to see the light.
Wonder how a future Govt could collect taxes in their billion from crony capitalist and solve every economic problem? Who represents the Taliban Imran is so fond of talking to? Imran will provide employment to all those Hakim Ullah Mashuds & Fazal Ullahs and they will setttle in to that 9-5 existence?
It is absurd comedy but a very very dark one.
@A Pakistani American: You are not American, other wise you should know Judicial system can not interfere in state department & embassy are under state department. So there is no such thing like petition for visa. It is not Pakistan where every one run to SC for petty stuff.
@jat shahib that what he refer about taliban what in theior mind u listen his press confrence i hope u wont say that .
Watch Imran Khan's speech here
A must see to form your own opinion on his vision for Pakistan
This simple-minded man REALLY believes that ending drone strikes will be the end of all the problems in Pakistan. Magically, everybody will start paying taxes, the money will start to pour in and all 'bhatta' and ethnic violence will cease ! Everyone will surrender their weapons and pigs will start wearing lipstick !!
@Tariq: He is in us for the fund raising for shuakat khanam ,from overseas Pakistanis there.
@Jat: Dear dear dear , Just get the full knowledge then comment . Jihad is against the us and nato not against the innocent people . This must be planned and conducted by us puppets playing in their hands for the sake of money like TTP Pakistan do in Pakistan .
Then he should stop supporting Taliban who butcher Pakistanis.
@A Pakistani American:
Sir, you are negating your constitution, the freedom of expression.
@Mohamed Bobat:
lol, and how old is Pakistan? Omg, I've heard a lot on these boards but that really made me laugh.
Imran getting popular in the US as well. He is the right man for this wrong country, wronged and raped by the earlier politicians and Generals.
@Zara
Can you name any other country on this planet where someone running for a top office would openly solicit money in a foreign country? You don't allow people who have dual citizenship to hold office - you don't allow expatriates to vote - and if your criteria for allowing people to influence elections is providing money to Pakistan then why not let the American's choose your next leader?
@A Pakistani American:
Amazing how all the "Pakistani" Americans are tripping over each other to denounce Imran to burnish their patriotism in the eyse of their hosts--they all know that every single word they type on their computers is being read by the Big Boy. Utterly shameless!
@Ch. Allah Daad:
He is a free man. He can celebrate Eid anywhere he wants. This type of crass piffle only shows the size of the empty cavity in your skull.
@ashish:
Really? Why?
@Cautious:
Really? So what was Mitt Romney doing in the UK hosting $50,000 per plate dinners? Appealing to Texas wranglers?
@A Pakistani American:
Drop the Pakistani from your screen name--it is just a leftover from your forgotten past.
@Tariq:
Why are you writing in a Pakistani paper? This is not your country. Post your piffle on NYT.
Everyone has the right to comment on anybody, but being a Pakistani we must unite to condemn at least when it comes to the humiliation or insult of our country or countrymen anywhere, particularly on the foreign soil. Setting aside our views and opinions about Imran Khan's politics, our love or hatred towards him, we must disapprove the disgraceful attitude expressed towards Imran Khan on the part of the U.S. immigration in Canada on his way to USA. In the past also our politicians have suffered this sort of attitude on foreign soils when they were stopped at the airport and were searched and interrogated without considering the fact that Pakistan has always stood in front whenever these foreign powers needed Pakistan's help. It's time we as a Pakistani must make them realize that we may be going through a difficult phase of our history at the moment, but if anyone looked down on us or our country we are all unite to not only condemn it but are ready to reciprocate.
@A Pakistani American: This is what you think. Unfortunately it is your compulsion to prove yourself more loyal than the king. The mere fact that the US embassy in Pakistan had issued visa to IK without raising any objection goes to prove that the US administration did not consider IK a threat to US interests. He is a politician and has a political stance against drone attacks and also feels that war on terror is not Pakistan's war. His views are shared and supported by a vast majority of Pakistanis and a number of US think tanks and scholars. In fact like IK many people in Europe and other countries have condemned the drone attacks and some human rights organizations in UK have filed a suit against US. Talking about Pakistan's national interests, whether you like it or not, is the responsibility of every Pakistani. Your stance also proves that people with dual nationalities should not be allowed to contest the elections to Pakistan's parliament as declared by the Supreme Court of Pakistan
Khan Sahab (and your PTI piyalas), you fight for breaking the status quo and then you expect not being grilled for a mere 30 min at a U.S. airport. Please act like a normal average Pakistani who often end up being pulled out of the immigration lines for special questioning. We all have been asked similar questions at the U.S. airports. I don't understand why you out of all people whine for special treatment. Act like an average Pakistani!
@Ch. Allah Daad: ".... no money is found on him and on his friends." hahaha, what are you thinking that fund raising dinners results in collection of 10$ bills?
Within 9 days of being elected as PM, I am sure 19 million Pakistanis will be issued with fresh US visas.
Don't Indians have their own papers to write comments in? And why are they so anti-IK? Jealousy?
I wish I had resources and time to file a petition in the U.S. Supreme Court against the State Department for issuing visa to Imran Khan, who is a threat to the U.S. national security interests, as he preaches hatred of the U.S. in Pakistan and promotes sympathy for the terrorists, day in and day out. I wish someone else goes ahead and files a petition against issuing the U.S. visa to Imran Khan.
Interrogating Ik at the airport is totally unacceptable, though I do not agree with IK's stand on security situation in Pakistan. His view of disappearance of militancy once USA levaes this region is totally misguided.
Please do not ask for or even expect an apology from the US authorities. They do not have the same moral values as Imran Khan. Remember, the USA is only two centuries old and so could be compared to little children. On the other hand, Imran Khan's Pakistan has thousand's of years of history!
@Umer: Wrong, he needs fundraising from Pakistanis in the US. If to you, that is equivalent to = US, then I can't help your delusion.
@Someone: First, yes I am an Indian.
Second, about jihad this is the headline of this newspaper "War in Afghanistan is jihad, says Imran" dated 11 Oct 2012.
Third, this is response of Afghanistan government in this newspaper "Afghan govt condemns Imran’s jihad comment" dated 13 Oct 2012.
Now who is deluded ?
@Cautious: Congratulations you have a fan following ! :)
He stand clear in his stance and telling Pakistani version of war damages to foreign media and people living broad. Big job and indeed a great son of the nation.
He is questioned and interrogated but he stand firm. He stand for peace and end to this war stupidity.
http://m.thestar.com/news/world/article/1278423--imran-khan-pakistani-politician-s-whirlwind-trip-to-canada-ends-with-questioning-from-u-s-officials
@Zaikam:
What? I guy that needs US for fundraising now and for aid later if he ever comes in power; what taste can he give to US?
@Pakistani in US: Instead of indulging in this type of absurd interrogation they could have refused him visa which could have saved both the parties from unnecessary wastage of time. After all thousands of Pakistanis are refused US visa every day and we haven't seen heavens falling down.
@Cautious: I have been following your comments for a while and you seem to be a rather cynical person aged 35-40, with nothing better to do. Your comment is wrong since lots of money is remitted from abroad, IK is actually doing a favour he meets us in small groups and discusses policy. I am from London and have met him a few times. Never has he asked for donations for his campaign or even for Shaukat Khanum. He merely expresses his concerns about the state of Pakistan etc
well said mr. imran khan... i hope that all the politicians follow the same line on drone attacks....
@faraz: "Well it was our decision to create strategic depth" It is as succinct as it can get. Thanks! Nothing occurs in a vacuum. There is a cause-and-effect relation between successive events. Simply, it is Din's law of Life in action!
@Pakistani in US: your ID & comments strongly suggest that Paksitani U are not ! And being an Indian is not shameful- just be honest!
Pakistanis have celeberated Eid with great enthusiasm. More animals are sacrificed this year than previous year. Its only you and your friends who do not believe in Eid and instead of celeberating it with your countrymen, preferred to visit abroad.
After this insult, why did he continue his journey to USA? He should have come back to Pakistan. On friday at the same time a PIA flight comes to Pakistan too. During interrogation, he must have been searched too and its strange that no money is found on him and on his friends. Its a clear indication that Torontorians did not give him enough donations. He has lost trust of expatriate Pakistanis and insulted by low level immigration officials. If I were him, I would never go to North America again.
this man is embarrassment.
We r with u IK!!!
@Jat: Imran did not create these jihadis, your American friends nurtured them. Like I. Khan rightly says, we, the common people, are the ones getting sacrificed due to the blunders of others.
@Jat: You have deluded yourself in the process of Imran-bashing, so much so that you will stoop to such a low level, affiliating Imran Khan and his ideology with your perception of "jihad". Then again, you probably know very little about Imran Khan. I have read your comments elsewhere, and if my memory serves me, you're Indian right?
STAY CALM AND VOTE FOR IMRAN....
@Pakistani in US:
Really? India and the US don't deny any visas to Pakistanis? Put down Atlas Shrugged and think!
For once he's right -- the USA shouldn't have granted him a visa. If he needs money for his campaign then stay in Pakistan - that's where the voters live.
Imran Khan's jihad:
KABUL: A suicide bomber killed at least 41 people, including five children, when he struck at a mosque in northern Afghanistan after Eidul Azha prayers on Friday, officials said. Dozens more were wounded as the bomb ripped through the crowd of worshippers in Maymana city in Faryab province and there were fears the death toll could rise.
How did the Americans let him go ?
On another note, I am happy that he saw the red carpet given to Pakistanis in US and on the world stage. Personal experiences usually leave a strong mark and stays with you throughout your life.
You say right sir. My vote is for you definitely. I hope this man comes in power and Americans get the taste of their own medicine.
Well it was our decision to create strategic depth
“an unconditional apology from the US government”.
Not going to happen. Plus, IK can't have it both ways. Pakistan denies visas to Indians and Americans every other day, so take it in the same spirit.