US Politicians Rally for Imran Khan’s Release Amid Growing International Support

Islamabad:A rising wave of support for former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s release is gaining momentum, especially from influential American politicians, raising questions about the effectiveness of this strategy. Prominent figures such as Richard Grenell, a close ally of former US President Donald Trump, and Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz have voiced their demands for Khan’s release, reflecting a significant aspect of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s international campaign.

Grenell’s social media posts in November 2023, which quickly went viral, called for Khan’s freedom, describing his detention as the result of “false charges.” He also criticized political trials worldwide, suggesting an international push for an end to such practices.

This call for action gained additional momentum when Matt Gaetz also expressed his support for Khan’s release, which has been seen as a pivotal moment for PTI supporters abroad. The PTI’s advocacy for Khan’s release from abroad, particularly in the United States, is part of a broader strategy to apply diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

Despite these efforts, analysts remain skeptical about the impact of these external voices on Pakistan’s internal matters. Many view the situation with skepticism, especially considering that the PTI has previously blamed the US for playing a role in Khan’s ouster in 2022. The party has also faced a crackdown in Pakistan, with Khan currently facing multiple legal challenges and his party stripped of its electoral symbol ahead of the February 2024 general elections.

In Washington, influential Pakistani expatriates have rallied lawmakers, urging them to press the Biden administration to intervene on Khan’s behalf. However, experts caution that these efforts may be futile, as there is little indication that US foreign policy will change significantly based on these calls.

Khan’s relationship with former President Donald Trump was notably strong, with Trump often referring to him as a “good friend” during his tenure. However, Khan has been critical of US President Joe Biden, accusing him of neglecting to establish a proper relationship after Biden assumed office.

Despite the growing pressure from PTI supporters abroad, experts like former Pakistani ambassador Hussain Haqqani argue that such efforts are unlikely to yield a significant shift in US policy. They warn that the focus on US intervention could complicate diplomatic relations and may not lead to the desired outcome for Khan’s supporters.