Pakistani Sikh Journalist Alleges Harassment During U.S. Visa Interview
Mishal Kaur, recognized as Pakistan’s first Sikh journalist and women’s rights advocate, files formal complaint alleging intimidation and coercive conduct at U.S. Embassy in Islamabad
⚠️ Developing Story
This article details serious allegations of harassment and intimidation during a visa interview process. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad has not yet publicly responded to these allegations. Faith & Freedom News is committed to reporting all sides of this developing story.
A Pakistani Sikh community leader, journalist, and women’s rights advocate has filed a formal complaint alleging harassment, intimidation, and coercive conduct during her visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, raising serious questions about visa processing procedures and the treatment of religious minority representatives.
About Mishal Kaur
- Recognized as Pakistan’s first Sikh journalist
- Former Board Director with the Government of Pakistan’s Religious Minority Affairs Department
- Prominent women’s rights advocate
- Sikh community leader in Pakistan
- Nominee for award recognizing work on women’s empowerment
The Incident
Mishal Kaur appeared at the U.S. Embassy on January 27, 2026, for a B-2 (visitor) visa interview. According to her complaint, she was traveling to attend a roundtable conference organized by the International Religious Freedom (IRF) organization, where she had been invited and nominated for an award in recognition of her work on women’s empowerment.
What began as a routine visa application process allegedly escalated into an eight-hour ordeal characterized by repeated interrogation, unsubstantiated accusations, and what Kaur describes as psychological pressure tactics.
Timeline of Events
Allegations of Misconduct
According to news published at The Province and Daily Times, Kaur alleges that during the second interview, the tone shifted dramatically and that she was subjected to questioning she describes as harassing, intimidating, and unrelated to visa eligibility.
Specific Allegations Include:
- Repeated accusations of working with a “consultant” without basis
- Serious allegations against Ms. Anila Ali, Co-Chair of IRF, claiming she was “fake” and had taken money from Kaur
- Claims that Ali had promised asylum or U.S. nationality in exchange for payment
- Continued pressure despite repeated denials of any financial exchange
- Unsubstantiated claims that other participants had admitted to paying money
- Threats that contacting anyone could result in being taken to an unknown location
- Warnings that a negative note on her record could destroy her professional career
- Attempts to coerce agreement to factually incorrect statements
Psychological Impact
According to Kaur, the prolonged questioning created extreme psychological distress. She felt efforts were made to coerce her into agreeing to statements she maintains were factually incorrect. She emphasized that if she was considered ineligible for a visa, the application could have been refused without what she describes as intimidation and threats.
Family Hardship
In addition to the alleged mistreatment during the interview, Kaur noted that her husband and two-year-old daughter were made to wait outside the embassy premises from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. in adverse weather conditions, causing what she described as unnecessary hardship and distress to her family.
Concerns About Bias
The complaint also raises concerns about possible personal bias, alleging that the officer appeared hostile toward Anila Ali and Mr. Kashif Mirza, another IRF-affiliated figure, and attempted to implicate them without substantiated evidence.
Kaur questions whether the interrogation methods employed align with U.S. Embassy policies and international standards for visa interviews, particularly for individuals involved in civil society work and religious freedom advocacy.
Formal Requests
Kaur has formally requested the following actions:
- A comprehensive review and investigation into the conduct of the officer involved in the January 27, 2026 interview
- Clarification on whether such interrogation methods align with U.S. Embassy policies and international standards for visa processing
- Assurance that no statements allegedly obtained under coercion are retained or relied upon in official records or future visa determinations
Broader Implications
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. The complaint has drawn attention among minority rights advocates and journalists, who say the incident raises broader concerns about the treatment of civil society actors and religious minority representatives seeking to engage in international forums on human rights and religious freedom.
As a prominent member of Pakistan’s Sikh community and a recognized advocate for women’s rights and religious freedom, Kaur’s allegations carry significant weight within civil society circles. Her role as Pakistan’s first Sikh journalist and her previous government service lend credibility to her concerns about how religious minority leaders are treated in visa processes.
Context: Religious Freedom Advocacy
The International Religious Freedom (IRF) organization that invited Kaur to the United States works to promote religious freedom globally. The organization regularly hosts conferences and roundtables bringing together advocates, policymakers, and religious leaders to address persecution and discrimination based on faith.
Kaur’s invitation to attend such a conference and her nomination for an award recognizing her women’s empowerment work underscore her standing within the international religious freedom community.
What Happens Next
As this story develops, advocates for religious freedom and minority rights will be watching closely to see how the U.S. Embassy responds to these serious allegations. The incident raises important questions about:
- Standard operating procedures for visa interviews at U.S. embassies
- Protections against potential bias or misconduct during visa processing
- Treatment of civil society leaders and religious minority advocates
- Accountability mechanisms when allegations of harassment are made
- The broader impact on U.S. credibility in promoting international religious freedom
Faith & Freedom News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
📰 Original Reporting Sources
This article is based on reporting from:
- The Province: Sikh Journalist Alleges Harassment During U.S. Visa Interview in Islamabad
- Daily Times: Sikh Journalist Alleges Harassment During U.S. Visa Interview in Islamabad
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