PTI
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has warmly welcomed remarks made by Richard Grenell, a close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, advocating for the release of imprisoned PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has underscored the importance of respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Grenell, Trump’s nominee for envoy on special missions, stirred significant debate in Pakistan after his November 26 tweet demanding the release of Imran Khan. The tweet coincided with a government crackdown on PTI protesters at Islamabad’s D-Chowk.
Speaking to a US media outlet, Grenell highlighted the favorable relations between the US and Pakistan during the Trump administration, crediting Imran’s outsider status, straightforward communication style, and strong rapport with Trump for fostering mutual understanding.
Grenell also compared Imran’s situation to that of Trump, alleging that corruption charges against both leaders were politically motivated.
The former US ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence reiterated his demand for Imran’s release, emphasizing his belief in the PTI leader’s wrongful imprisonment.
PTI representatives, including Zartaj Gul, Aliya Hamza, and spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram, expressed gratitude for Grenell’s support.
However, they maintained that the party seeks Imran’s release through lawful means within Pakistan’s judicial system. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasized that the party neither requests nor expects foreign intervention in its internal affairs.
Conversely, the PML-N dismissed Grenell’s statements as interference. Senator Talal Chaudhry firmly stated that Pakistan’s sovereignty must be respected, describing Imran’s legal troubles as an internal matter rooted in corruption allegations.
He accused the US of supporting a figure they had previously backed and rejected any notion that external pressure would lead to Imran’s release.
Rana Sanaullah, the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs, echoed this stance, asserting that the government would not yield to any pressure from the Trump administration. He added that negotiations between PTI and the government should occur domestically and without external influence.
Imran Khan, ousted via a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022, has remained incarcerated since August 2023 in Adiala Jail.
His allegations of a US conspiracy behind his removal, citing a purported cipher involving US diplomat Donald Lu, have further strained relations between the PTI and the US.
Despite this, Imran’s tenure saw several positive engagements with Trump, including meetings at the White House, reflecting their once-cordial relationship.
