Charles Glass, a 73-year-old British-American journalist and author known for his work in the Middle East, was deported from Pakistan on August 1 after his tourist visa was abruptly revoked. Glass had been attempting to secure an interview with imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which likely led to the cancellation of his visa. On July 31, law enforcement informed Glass he had five hours to leave the country.
Despite his protests and logistical challenges, including retrieving his luggage, he was escorted to an available flight and deported to Abu Dhabi. The incident, occurring shortly after Glass was seen outside Adiala Jail with Khan’s sister, has sparked concerns about press freedom and governmental transparency in Pakistan. The abrupt nature of his deportation underscores growing tensions over media access in politically sensitive situations.