Daily Times

“O Believers! Do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are (in fact) allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you – then indeed, he is (one) of them.” (Surah Al-Maidah 5:51)

From the articles published in advocacy for Ex-PM of Pakistan in Israeli Papers to the letters of western leaders inquiring about him, Support Imran Saga Continues.

The political landscape in Pakistan has been tumultuous, particularly following the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Recently, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf claimed that 62 members of the US Congress wrote a letter urging the Biden administration to advocate for Khan’s release from prison and impose sanctions on the Pakistani military. However, an analysis of the signatories revealed concerning affiliations and positions that raise serious and grave concerns about their agenda.

Out of the 62 Congressmen who signed the letter, a significant portion has been identified with views that are not only pro-Israel but also anti-Pakistan. Specifically, 9 are identified as hardline Jewish nationalists, 29 openly support Israel, and 21 are staunchly anti-Pakistan.

Additionally, 13 have previously expressed sympathy towards India, and 2 have referred to Kashmir as part of India. This backdrop of affiliations cast doubts on the sincerity of their support for Khan, suggesting that their motives may align more with anti-Pakistan states than with genuine concern for democracy or human rights in Pakistan.

Out of the 62 Congressmen who signed the letter, a significant portion has been identified with views that are not only pro-Israel but also anti-Pakistan.

Notably, 50 of these members are also LGBTQ supporters, which adds another layer to the narrative surrounding their advocacy for Khan. This intersectionality raises questions about the broader implications of such support in a country like Pakistan, where LGBTQ issues are highly contentious.

The PTI’s claims of international support have been bolstered by lobbying efforts that often involve significant financial resources and strategic communications. Lobbyists advocating for Khan are frequently funded by individuals or groups with ties to anti-Pakistan sentiments and pro-India positions. These efforts aim to undermine the Pakistani government and military’s reputation while promoting a narrative favorable to Khan’s potential return to power.

This campaign is not limited to US Congress members; it has also attracted attention from British lawmakers. A group of 20 British MPs from various political parties recently urged UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (on request of Zulfi Bukhari) to advocate for Khan’s release, alleging that his prosecution appears politically motivated. This transnational lobbying underscores a concerted effort to influence Pakistan’s internal affairs from abroad.

The role of media, particularly Indian media, cannot be overlooked in this context. Reports suggest that Indian outlets have amplified narratives supporting Khan while vilifying Pakistan’s military leadership. This creates a perception of coordinated foreign interference aimed at destabilizing Pakistan’s political landscape.

Articles published in outlets like the Times of Israel and Jerusalem Post have suggested that Imran Khan could play a pivotal role in shaping Israeli-Pakistani relations.

Adding another dimension to this situation is Congressman Tom Suozzi’s recent inquiry regarding Imran Khan’s health while incarcerated. His inquiry reflects a growing concern among some US lawmakers about Khan’s well-being and treatment in prison. These assertions heavily question his loyalty to Pakistan amidst the immense support from anti-Pakistan entities with vested interests in Pakistan’s political future.

In response to the US Congress members’ letter advocating for Khan’s release, over 150 Pakistani lawmakers condemned this perceived interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. They characterized the letter as influenced by disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting Pakistan’s political processes and institutions. These lawmakers argue that such foreign interventions undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty and exacerbate existing political tensions within the country. They contend that these actions reflect a broader strategy by foreign powers to manipulate Pakistan’s political landscape for their own ends.

The intricate interplay between domestic politics and international lobbying efforts continues to unfold. The involvement of US and British lawmakers, coupled with media narratives from India and Israel unveils a complex web of interests at play. The question remains: why are Western powers so eager to support Imran Khan? For many, he is not just a political figure but a potential ally in reshaping regional dynamics that could favor Western interests in South Asia.

As this situation evolves, it is crucial for Pakistani citizens and lawmakers alike to remain vigilant against external influences that may seek to exploit internal divisions for geopolitical gain. The future of Pakistani democracy may hinge on navigating these treacherous waters while safeguarding national sovereignty against foreign meddling.

A graduate of QAU, scholar & freelance writer. Can be reached at fa7263125@gmail.com