- The PTI leader receives a registration number from the US Department of Justice.
- Gill tells the US government about his encounters with US citizens.
- Gill’s statement indicates that he intends to meet with US officials.
WASHINGTON – Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s close aide Shahbaz Gill has registered as a foreign agent of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the country.
Gill registered as the party’s foreign agent under the US Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), and the US Department of Justice assigned him a registration number.
The former prime minister’s special assistant is facing sedition charges and was granted permission to travel overseas for one month by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on March 29, but he then submitted a new appeal seeking an extension of his stay in the US.
In documents provided on May 11, Gill informed US officials about nine contacts he had with American citizens on behalf of PTI between April 19 and May 9 of this year.
He said that “the current violation of human rights in Pakistan” was discussed with US residents at all of these encounters.
The registration documents also include Gill’s written statement describing the nature and method of his intentions in the US as an agent.
“It is completely on honorary basis. No financial charges are involved. I believe in PTI’s vision,” he wrote.
He further added: “Being their [PTI’s] political supporter, I try to promote their political struggle for the democracy and rule of law and make people/officials in the United States of America aware of the political struggle of the people of Pakistan and PTI.”
In his statement, Gill also wrote that along with meeting people and attending protests, he intended to try to hold meetings with government officials including congressional representatives and senators, and any other relevant officials such as from the State Department or Department of Justice.
“I have plans to meet with the general public and Pakistani Americans, as well as with officials to discuss the current political crisis in Pakistan. Matters of violation of human rights and violation of freedom of speech will be discussed,” his statement read.
It further added: “For this purpose, I will be attending some public meetings, protests, organised by Pakistani Americans. I will also try to meet government officials including congressional representatives and senators, and any other relevant officials such as from the State Department or Department of Justice, to enhance the understanding of governance in Pakistan and violation of its democratic values.”