Imran Khan is 'welcome' in the US: State Department
"We are aware that he was detained briefly in Toronto before boarding his flight to the United States," acting State Department spokesperson Mark Toner told reporters when asked about Khan's questioning last week.
But he disputed allegations that Khan was held and interrogated for hours over his stance on drone attacks and position on the Taliban as he tried to board a New York-bound plane from the Canadian city.
"My understanding is that the issue was quickly resolved and that he traveled into the United States, and certainly he is welcome in the United States," Toner said.
Khan was headed to New York to attend a fundraiser organised by his party.
"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 had written on Twitter.
Khan argues drone strikes are illegal and counterproductive and earlier this month he led thousands of supporters - and a group of American peace activists - on a march to the edge of Pakistan's restive tribal districts to protest them.
Toner said he did not know "the specifics" of why Khan was held, but added: "I would just say that we certainly don't want any legitimate traveler delayed for no reason."
Imran Khan returned to Pakistan early Thursday morning. Speaking to the media at Rawalpindi air port, he criticised the government for staying silent on its citizen being mistreated.
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@alina: But I bet, you are nicer than him, and your eyes are even more beautiful. So Alina for Prime Minister. Down with all other contenders !!
Imran Khan raised funds in USA, Canada and Europe in millions and he was stopped to clarify as what visa conditions are there on his visa as he is not allowed to raise funs unless and until authorized. Also he is raising funds for political party and yet he is transferring them to Pakistan under what regulations as Charity is different than Politics. Pakistan Government is also looking into issue as how IK is transferring funds
of course every Pakistani including Imran is welcome in US. its another matter they are given a very special welcome each time they are on board a plane to US! It doesnt matter if you hold US/EU/UK passport, as long as you look like a Muslim/Pakistani, you will be selected for "random" security checks for number of times before, during and after your flight! Did they ever catch the real guys?
@IceSoul: You will have to wait long time if you want others to do what you would like them to do!
IK is a responsible & mature politician-that means he will do what he thinks is Right. His time will come when he can make policy decisions and set the course for future. USA can do whatever it likes- maybe it is their opinion that IK does not deserve diplomatic protocol. IK has always maintained that h e is against the US Policies and NOT against the people or country (which has good people in it as well). I would not worry about the Negative Comment Bandwagon (the number is so small and the comments so irrelevant) but let’s make sure that WE the IK supporters vote for him on the day-that should be our goal.
@Sultan: "@Jat: The US government does not seem to have the same compunctions as you do!"
Not my problem. When Americans don't differentiate between friend and foe they pay with the lives of their soldiers in Afghanistan.
I would like to describe it a occurrence taken place and illegal action was taken against a notable Pakistani personality who had valid passport and valid visa.
He was offloaded from the plane,kept in custody interrogated then allowed to go all the process was illegal.
In case, American had some resevervations about Imran Khan and his political stance about drone attacks visa issuing authority shouldn't issue visa.
American embassy official knew all,Pakistan Tehrik Insaf chairman had clear cut stance regarding the American drone policy. Imran Khan visited tribal ares and expressed his stance regaring drone shelling that is open violation of sovereignty of the country and international law,The same has been clarified by the secretary general of the United Nation.
Having known all they arrested for vey shortest possible time.In fact they insulted Pakistani political leader deliberately.Government of Pakistan should raised objection on this shameful America act.but there is silent on this front,it mean some quarters concerned are happy on it.
We as balochs totally endorse Imran Khan and Pakistan. Please come and get rid of our feudal lords and bring prosperity to our homeland.
@IceSoul: "Imran Khan can criticize the US and still go there to raise funds. I’d really like to see him criticize the Taliban and enter Waziristan.".
He could not go to Waziristan though he has refrained from such criticism. In fact he refrains from such criticism because he is not sure of his safety even within settled areas of Pakistan if he criticizes Imran. He has made that amply clear in Talat's interview.
I heard that Imran Khan was stopped because of Illegal activity. His type of visa did not allow him to get donations for his election campaign. It seems that IK is morally so bankrupt that he is using USA citizens money to fund his election campaign to become anti-USA prime minister. Tell me which country will allow that. Will Pak allow Obama to fund his election campaign using money collected in pak??
@Jibran Wow! I never thought going to a fund raiser as a chief guest was illegal....
@ Jat, Shame on you when you says to consider Talibans "our brothers" who cutting throats of our soldiers, killing Innocent women and children, attacking mosques & shrines and involved in all Haram business of suicide attacks, money laundering, Drugs,human trafficking, arms smuggling and interest (sood) shame on you again.
It would be shameful for Imran Khan to ever set foot in the US after this treatment. Why does he want to visit the very nation he condemned as being responsible for the breakdown of law and order in the western frontier areas of Pakistan?
The very purpose of your trip was illegal Mr. Khan. You are welcome, as long as you abide by local laws.
i seriously doubt that he was stopped because of drones stance, they really dont care what worthless people say about their policies, most likely it was his green passport and his arrogance during the customs process that got him flagged.
@Usman Khan: Mr. Sethi follower, Do you know which Visa type allows fund raising in US? Imran Khan is chief guest of a fund raising event, it is B1 or B2 that is all you need for that.
USA better get used to a Pakistani politician who speaks his mind..unlike the subservient bunch they have got used to dealing with.
" Speaking to the media at Rawalpindi air port, he criticised the government for staying silent on its citizen being mistreated." Mr. Khan if you are asking govt. to take a stand for you than you should also take a stand for the people of Pakistan who are targeted by your so called brothers talibans TTP.
This is ET reporting at its worse..biased and opnionated piece.
@IceSoul: "Imran Khan can criticize the US and still go there to raise funds. I’d really like to see him criticize the Taliban and enter Waziristan."
You Sir, vastly underestimate Imran Khan. He is ready to take you on under two conditions: 1. He will not criticize Taliban. 2. He will turn back from Tank.
B1 B2 Tourist visa does not allow to do find raising, why don't you tell the truth, Imran Khan.?
@Jat:
The US government does not seem to have the same compunctions as you do!
That's the difference between the State Dept which runs the diplomatic service and the Dept of Homeland Security which controls the borders and immigration services. IK may not be on any official "do not fly list" but you can bet money that Homeland Security will keep one eye on his activities. If IK wants to collect money for political purposes he should stick to Pakistan where the voters are.
//Speaking to the media at Rawalpindi air port, he criticised the government for staying silent on its citizen being mistreated.//
Was he referring to the mistreatment of Ahmadis under State Law? or the mistreatment of Balochis? Genocide of the Shias?
IK speaks in the best interest of this nation. No matter where he goes he will stand by his commitment and an unwavering man of his words.
Imran Khan is 'welcome' in the US as long as he does not support jihad in Afghanistan and does not consider Taliban as his brothers.