As Donald Trump’s presumed victory in the U.S. Presidential elections awaits official confirmation, his potential return to office has sparked hope among supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for his possible release from prison.
Recently, Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to criticize the treatment of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, labeling the situation there as “total chaos.” He also commended the U.S.-India alliance, a stance welcomed by Hindu American activists.
However, Imran Khan’s supporters had anticipated Trump might address Khan’s imprisonment. Ahead of Pakistan’s February general elections, the government intensified its crackdown on Khan’s PTI party.
Pakistani-Americans backing Khan believe Trump may advocate for him in a potential second term, recalling the rapport they shared during Trump’s initial presidency. Trump and Khan met multiple times, including a White House meeting where Trump referred to Khan as a “good friend.”
Michael Kugelman, author of the South Asia Brief at the Wilson Center, argues that Trump’s interactions with Khan were likely driven more by a strategic desire to engage with the Taliban regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan than by personal affinity. Kugelman notes Trump’s current silence on Khan’s situation, suggesting that Pakistan may not rank high among his priorities.
Imran Khan’s supporters remain cautiously optimistic, though they acknowledge Trump’s primary focus may lie elsewhere.
