Imran detention played up for political reasons: Hoagland
Imran Khan’s recent detention in Toronto by US authorities was used for political mileage by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, said the US Deputy Chief of Mission Richard Hoagland in a talk with a select group of journalists on Thursday.
Hoagland said, “A lot of the story that went out was not very accurate, but played up for political purposes.”
He added that in principle nobody is ever stopped from entering the United States for their political beliefs.
Furthermore, Hoagland said counter-terrorism was most important in US-Pak relations.
“The sooner we contain terrorists the more peaceful the methods (of counter-terrorism) will become,” Hoagland said.
“The Strategic Pause” an interim period of a difficult relationship between both the countries was now paving way for a “more mature but restrained relationship” based on diplomatic, military and intelligence sharing, said the US diplomat.
Elections in the US
The US diplomat added that no matter who won the US presidential elections, there would be “no pendulum swing in foreign policy.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2012.
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Mr. Hoagland has no idea what he is talking about. I found his statements completely vague and out of context,and an attempted facesaving in wake of the embarassing situation the US & Canadian authorities find themselves in now. Would he like to answer if it was not drones Imran was questioned about and detained, than was it the SandyThunderstorm hitting various US states, discussed with him,why was he allowed to proceed to US,then why was he allowed to attend a number of fund raisers, which they have been doing for past several years, if as claimed by Mr.Hoagland was illegal.Come on Mr.Hoagland give it a break, u r not making sense, by shifting blames here and there.
Sameer - London
Fact is that American authorities slipped. IK encashed. Why not ? More power to you Mr Khan. Stay firm - its an uphill climb but you need to take the game to next level...without fear of loss.
Does anybody suspects here that, America is actually want him to succeed and providing him anti American bandwagon, so that Mr Khan can tame the Talibans.........
@Mard-e-Haq: Remember there is an ocean (or two) to cross (either way) you approach the US! Hmmm!
I wonder how Mr. Hoagland would feel if he or some U.S. Senator or Congressman visiting Pakistan was detained at Karachi airport for four hours for no apparent reason?
Instead of making these lame and nonsensical excuses, he should be apologizing to Imran Khan and to the nation for the utter stupidity of US State Department and their immigration officials.
that's so hilarious when khan saab asks others about sources of income and taxes paid :-P
@Zaffar: Adnan might or might not be even interested to be in the NAB. However, I've tried to raise the issue by expressing my serious and honest concerned about the havoc Imran's agenda through this financing can wreak to the innocent people both in Pakistan and the United States. I hope that following would serious look into my apprehensions and many concerned, peace loving citizens both in the United States as well as Pakistan
All the security / intlleigence agencies in Pakistan United Sates Department of Homeland Security The United States IRS (must look into source of income as well as amount donated by the US Citizens. The FBI in addition to U.S. Customs and Immigration
And if all the above are satisfied after serious examination of the implied impropriety then I'd be happy and feel secure like many many concerned & worried people all over.
@zaigham:
Buhahahahahahahahaha! And I am sure that PTI supporters would also demand from Richard Hoagland to disclose his known sources of income, assets and how much taxes he has paid. Failure to do so would immediately constitute that he is neither righteous and pious and a Tsunami would march towards the US Embassy as a sign of mass agitation :D
I am sure ilzamiz must have stuffed hoagland's twitter account with abuses by now. Tough luck american ;-)
@Zaffar,
The governing cabinet and NAB are willing to give an impressive remuneration for my services but I think that I am doing mankind in general and Pakistanis in particular are huge service by showing mirror on Social Media to the subjects of The Branch Davidian Sect and cult followers of Imran Khan. How have you deduced that I am basing my analysis on mere conjecture and innuendos? Just like the rest of us, I am simply voicing my opinion as to "what could have" transpired at Toronto Pearson Airport with the erstwhile Holy Father Pope Imran Benedict.
Once again I would ask a very trivial question here - if detaining IK for whatever reason was a crime and tantamount to supreme insult of Pakistan; why did he not call-off his spa treatment in USA and immediately left for Pakistan as a mark of protest?
As far as convincing folks, I think I have already have achieved that milestone and soon you would also join the like-minded club.
@Raj - USA,
I thank you kindly my dear Sir! Someday they would write poetry about you ;)
@Adnan Siddiqi: If you have knowledge of all the wheeling-dealing then why do you need this forum to comment-you should be in the governing cabinet or part of NAB. They will even pay you a reward. Thiis does not make sense-Your claims are equivalent to rumours and fantasies (which is feeding your mind. It is all waffle and nothing else. Seems like you have been listening to some radio channel broadcasting from Raiwind or President's house. I hope you get better-you wont be able to convince anyone if you base your comments on hearsay
@Adnan Siddiqi: I missed the pun earlier. You have my vote if there is one for "Overseas Pakistani Well Wisher".
Kudos to Hoagland for stating the obvious. IK maybe a superstar to some Pakistani's but any objective observation would indicate he's a politician and like any politician he's going to spin things to generate votes.
Too, much ado about supposed travails of Imran Khan has been made the talk of the town here, there, every where. The spin is so intense just to create a perception of persecution due to Imran's courage to speak. So, lets see is it about 'freedom of speech' or something else, perhaps, the issue was smuggling of undocumented hard cash and a load of it! We all know and understand, through PTI ads. and announcements and appeals, that this old and retired Pakistani cricketer turned "young very young" politician was there to collect donations to finance PTI's election campaign in Pakistan. Whether or not someone travelling to the US on a visitor visa may legally engage in such activities is up to the U.S. Customs & Immigration to examine and determine. However, would it not be a legitimate question to ask if the American Citizens may donate / provide funds to an individual and his party which publically supports the terrorists attacking the combined US & NATO & Pakistani Forces in Afghanistan and Pakistan and declares all acts of terrorism a "Jihad" as reported by all leading news papers in Pakistan. As it's reported in national press with the "young & dumb" Imran Khan's picture.
Is it not in the best interest of all all the Pakistani as well as American citizens of Pakistani desent to be warned of the illegality of contributing American money to raise funds to be used by Imran Khan and his party against their own new homeland as well as the beloved land of their fathers, our Pakistan. It is time that the Department of Homeland Security as well as the IRS to scrutinise the sources and intent of such contribution. This must be a matter that must be a business of FBI there and our security and intelligence folks here to check out what kind of conspiracies are being hatched against Pakistan and the Unitd States by their own citizens. All those peace loving American and Pakistani citizens fear their lives and properties are threatened by terrorists who go by many names like Talibans including, Afghans & Pakistani Kind! (of all varieties & colors), must request, nay demand from the United States Department of Homeland Security there and all the Security Agencies here in Pakistan to provide relief & protection from any potential danger that might emnate from Imran Khan, PTI and its financing from American sources.
Is it an inappropriate view or an inadequate demand?----No, I don't think so!
@Raj - USA:
You obviously did not get my pun :D
I second your latter half of the post though. Even if I contest an elections against IK, I would probably poll more votes.
@Adnan Siddiqi: Just for fun.
You ask: You are committing a sin by equating a “Nobody” like SRK with IK! What and who is SRK? What is his identity?
SRK is probably more popular, even in Pakistan, than IK. Also he is a relative of the current ISI chief. If he can stand elections in Pakistan, IK shall not stand a chance against him.
@Zoaib: You ask: If it wasn’t about drones, then WHY doesn’t the ambassador disclose what it was all about?
US treats it as a matter of confidentiality. They would release the entire recording of IK's questioning if IK asks USA to release the recordings of his questioning. The question is: Will IK do it?
@Obaid: I think you have not read my earlier posts on Shahrukh Khan's detention. He was detained because some of those who organized his trip to USA were suspected of involvement in illegal money transfers / hawala transactions. Shahrukh Khan was not aware of this. USA questioned him and let him off after they were satisfied that Shahrukh Khan was not involved in these transactions. He was detained only to be questioned on his association with some of those who organized his US trip. This news appeared in some of the Indian news papers published in USA. I had also commented earlier that once your name gets in the Homeland Security watch list, it is more likely you shall face the same problem on your subsequent visits to USA as it takes some time to get your name off the list and meanwhile you will be on the watch list and shall be screened at immigration centers.
Generally, USA does not comment on such questionings by the immigration officials. Nor do they disclose what exactly was questioned as they treat it as a confidential matter between the immigration officials and the person questioned. Yes, they shall release the entire details if IK asks US officials to release the transcripts or recordings of his questioning. If IK has nothing to hide, it is for him to ask the US authorities to release the recordings of his questioning.
BTW its their country. They can do whatever they want. You cannot abuse them and say that war against them is Jihad, and then hop on a plane do fund raising(chunda/bheek) in their country.
the fact that he was allowed in the US amazes me.
@Zaffar:
You obviously never get the pun in my contributions; a lot of people don't. This is what the "Sane" public has been saying out loud for a very long time that a political party can never be run like an "Organization" on the corporate models of SKMH, NAMAL, Engro and JT Holdings.
As for my knowledge on IK's friends - I would definitely not have any knowledge on friends like Hasan Nissar, Haroon-ur-Rasheed, Mubashir "Spanish Villa" Luqman, Yousuf Salauhddin, Moby, Goldy, Ash and Dash. As for the funds and their utility - How would I know?! Do you think that I am Imtiaz Hyderi who on the back of his personal friendship with IK would divert the Zakat and Endowment Fund Money through Virgin Islands and bury it in the deserts of Oman?
@Nadeem:
You are committing a sin by equating a "Nobody" like SRK with IK! What and who is SRK? What is his identity? Why would anyone care if he is stopped by the US Department of Homeland Security or thrown in the slammer? Has SRK won a cricket world cup? Has SRK build a hospital like SKMH and a world renowned educational marvel and prestigious institution like NAMAL?
In conclusion, if SRK has not done what's stated above - then it was perfectly fine for him to be stopped. ;)
@Adnan Siddiqi: You never seem to be happy. Now you seem to be obsessed with how IK is trying to run his organisiation. I am concerned about your “knowledge” of IK funds & friends! -Maybe he was collecting the funds it to give it to you. USA will use spin on anything especially when they have cocked it up.
@CK: Why was Shahrukh Khan stopped? was it also because of drones? And what about dozens of others who are stopped by US Customs, are they also questioned about drones?
IK should be gracious enough to own up to his gaffe and concede that either he was carrying a heap load of undeclared money in his person or he was soliciting donations for a Pakistan based political party even though his visa did not allow him to do so.
Notwithstanding the reason he was stopped/detained/interrogated by the yanks; IK should have immediately cancelled his vacations in USA and left Toronto straight for Pakistan. I don't quiet get as to why PTI is so desperate for money in the presence of Jahangir Tareen and the "Jahaz Group."
This is selective reporting. Read the same report in DAWN which also mentions that he DENIED Imran Khan having a visa violation (which is the story being pushed by some here). If it wasn't about drones, then WHY doesn't the ambassador disclose what it was all about? Something smells fishy and seems US officials did not have any justification to stop Imran Khan in Canada (which is why he was let off so easily).
Americans have become extremely deceitful in all affairs. They even tell you how to read their deceit. Deal with them at your own risk.
@Raj-USA Everyone knows that IK was questioned mainly for other reasons and not his stand on drones
however everyone's (that only you know of) understanding suffers selective impairment when when SK is detained. Time to open that window buddy, let some fresh air come in. Breath and relax....point scoring can wait
Heard many people say that IK violated VISA policy but they dont understand that it is PTI a registered foreign agent part , known FARA allowed by US law which is doing fund raising for the last 6 years or so and Imran khan was just the chief guest and Visit visa as everyone knows doesnt prohibit a person form being a chief guest . .
and if even there was a violation than Imran Khan continued to raise funds for the next 5 days and raised 7 crores so this speculation of VISA violation is flawed . .
Within 9 hours of taking power, Imran Khan and the PTI will unleash a human wave of 119 million Pakistani visa-free immigrants to the United States. The current troubles are nothing compared to what the future promises.
We're really gonna believe an American diplomat after all the lies they spread? Even Raymond Davis was a 'diplomat', only he's an exposed one. Maybe I'll believe an average American citizen, but not a diplomat.
Monsieur Hoagland says: "Played up for political purposes" and then “The sooner we contain terrorists the more peaceful the methods of counter-terrorism will become,” Please tell us what was it all about then??? Stop confusing the already confused matter.
True. They just don't issue visas to those who speak against them. This Mr Khan had an old visa so he had to be stopped at the airport and warned to be careful about what he says ! Shahzad Akbar the lawyer who represents drone victims was denied the visa a few weeks ago. Mohammad danish Qasim the young student who produced a film on the affects of Drone attacks was denied the visa. Although the USA has the right to refuse Visa's to anyone, they should stop telling lies about it and stop pretending that they are the leaders of 'Freedom' !
What rubbish by Mr. Hoagland! Can he please state the reason why a prominent Pakistani leader was offloaded a plane and asked about his stance on drones by US authorities? The US Gov should acknowledge their mistake and apologize to Mr. Khan.
this is exactly even I was thinking.
Ohh common.... no one has been stoped from entering Us for their plotical beloefs, now thays a lie!
We need an apology Mr. Hoagman for this outrageous and vindictive act, not your lame explanation. The article (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/oct/28/detention-imran-khan-drones) contains a list of people who have been stopped from US just because of their anti drone beliefs and it is not a pakistani paper. The article is from the guardian and it clearly rubbishes aside the claim by Mr. Hoagland.
Remember Shahzad Akbar?
Mr.Hoagland : It would have been very kind of you if you had told us that why was he stopped if its not political beliefs? He is politician so you want him to stay shut up on this??? BTW you talking against him will also give him political mileage :P
The detention of IK appears to be a politically motivated move to convey US's displeasure on drones and there is nothing wrong if Imran also used the same to his advantage.
Question is, was IK deplaned with his colleagues and interrogated therefore missing his flight??? If so then Hoagland does not know what he is talking about.
I think Hoagland is 'playing up' because last I checked PTI didn't throw a huge tantrum on Kaptaan's detention. Haw!
seems america is starting to feel uncomfortable with imran khan..
well mr hoagland then tell us what exactly happened...
If hogland is accepted to be true then might he speak the reasons why after waziristan march,IK was not even stopped but offloaded from plane.Was that not way to humiliate him for his affirmed stand against drones.
yes yes.
the most popular politician in Pakistan is questioned at the airport; try "downplaying" that.
It is clearly a Diplomatic warning from US to IK to speak the truth and not to spread lies on exactly what US questioned him. If not, some sort of leak or open statement from US shall follow. Everyone knows that IK was questioned mainly for other reasons and not his stand on drones. My bet is that IK shall not use the word "Jihad" again. Nor will he talk of collateral damages due to US drone strikes. He shall now start to talk against the Army and the Government. I feel that he shall talk more against the Army as Army is now on the defensive and both PPP and MQM are openly saying that it is the Army that makes the foreign policy and policy on drone strikes. IK knows very well that UK and other European countries shall follow US and visiting those countries shall also become difficult for him if he annoys US.
But Mr Ambassador u are still bot denying that IK was asked about his drones stance , what was the purpose that he was stopped at the airport ??? If IK was raising funds illegally than why he continued to do it after that incident . . You are showing your weakness by issuing this type of statement. . .
Then why was he stopped and questioned about his view on drone attacks? He even missed his flight and the fundraiser.
Despite the debate of political or not, drone attack disturbing US authority badly. They have interrogate Mr.Khan based on this frustration because Mr. Khan is only one leader on the universe who challenge this crime. Now the servant minds still believing on US propaganda.
I knew it. I had mentioned the same on the very same day.
Ok give us the proof he is wrong! give us the recording of video or its just like that Raymond Davis is one of your official?