Legendary cricket player and Pakistani MP Imran Khan, whose Pakistani Tehreek-e Insaf (PTI) party is looking to sweep the next elections with their very public criticism of US drone strikes against tribal areas, missed a scheduled appearance in New York today when US officials detained him at the Pearson Airport in Toronto.
What followed was a 30 minute interview with US immigration officials which Khan termed “bizarre,” with officials repeatedly pressing him on his position on drone strikes, which is by far his most publicly well-known position.
After a 30 minute interview, in which US officials reportedly called him a “supporter of the Taliban,” Khan was released, but missed his flight to New York. He is scheduled to make several appearances across the US and Canada over the upcoming days, fundraising with Pakistani expats ahead of next year’s elections.
Long a minor party, the PTI is expected to gain considerably in that vote, with some suggesting Khan might even have an outside shot at forming the next government, reflecting voter discontent with the tradition “major” parties’ corruption and seeming inability to confront the US on the drone strikes deleterious effect on domestic security.
This behavior (by the US) is wrong on so many levels.
This is not only disrespectful but an invitation to have the same done to our public figures . I guess we can't complaint if other nations start doing the same .
Yaa, Brazil had a few problems at customs. So they turned around and gave the Americans the same treatment…
We never hear about problems for Brazilians any more……… I wonder WHY…..?????!!!!!!!!
Our public figures going through the customs in Pakistan? You must be kidding. The government there wouldn't want to lose the billions they get from our public officials.
Welcome to the USSA
All part of the fascist, police state that is amerika!
Now if everyone in Pakistan suddenly became a libertarian, how would the deadly force of government be used to improve the situation?
Please base your answer on the premise that everyone would still desire to take all that their brains and sex-appeal can muster, but out of self-preservation see the urgent need for an honest government.
Imran Khan – the last clean man in Pakistani politics.
America's pointman in PK – Zardari – the dirtiest crook Pakistani politics has ever seen… and that takes some doing.
That juxtaposition says it all.
Come on who didn't see this coming!
US Airport Security are the most racial profiling people in the world.
Given what we have heard about these target lists, it can be assumed that if a US official decides you are a Taliban supported you could be put on the drone target list. Is the US basically telling him that they might equip a drone with his name on it if he opposes drone strikes?
I just wonder how a US Politician would feel if upon entering another country they were put through the griller!
One other thing I thought Toronto was in Canada, what were US airport security doing questioning persons on Canadian Sovereign soil!
In westren countries, i.e., U.S.A. & her coalition allies believe in free speech only if it is against defaming Islam & lies about Muslims. But speaking or investigating truth about westren powers is considered a crime.
So, Imran Khan committed a crime even amongst Pakistan's ruling coalition,and it is the reason zardari coalition didn't force obama for appology like India did in case of Shah Rukh Khan.
Humayun Sheikh
Canada
the people of the world can see the real democratic face of USA. Are they do not accept the freedom of expression? Imran Khan is not a criminal nor a terrorist. They must feel shame on this act.