Why are Donald Trump’s allies cheering for Pakistan’s Imran Khan?

Why are Donald Trump’s allies cheering for Pakistan’s Imran Khan?

In recent months, several allies of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump have publicly advocated for the release of Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023 on various charges. This support highlights the complex and evolving dynamics between U.S. political figures and Pakistani leadership.

Expressions of Support from Trump Allies

Richard Grenell, nominated by Trump as the presidential envoy for special missions, has been particularly vocal. In November 2024, during protests in Islamabad, Grenell tweeted, "Release Imran Khan," a message that garnered significant attention. Following his official nomination in December, Grenell reiterated his stance, with his posts accumulating millions of views. Similarly, Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz has echoed these sentiments, calling for Khan's release. 

Historical Context of Trump-Khan Relations

During Trump's first term as U.S. President, he and Khan developed a notable rapport. The two leaders met in Washington in July 2019 and again in Davos in January 2020, where Trump referred to Khan as his "very good friend." This relationship marked a shift from Trump's earlier criticisms of Pakistan, suggesting a personal connection that may influence current support from Trump's circle. 

PTI's Engagement with U.S. Political Figures

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, founded by Khan, has actively sought support from U.S. politicians, particularly within the Republican Party. In October 2024, over 60 Democratic legislators urged President Biden to leverage U.S. influence to secure Khan's release. Additionally, in November 2024, Atif Khan, a senior PTI leader in the U.S., met with Lara Trump, discussing concerns about Khan's incarceration. These efforts indicate PTI's strategy to garner international support amid domestic challenges. 

Pakistani Government's Response

The Pakistani government has downplayed comments from individuals like Grenell and Gaetz. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that such remarks are viewed as opinions of "private American citizens," indicating that Islamabad does not anticipate significant repercussions from these statements. The Foreign Office has emphasized Pakistan's desire for relations based on "mutual respect, mutual interest, and noninterference in each other's domestic affairs." 

Implications for U.S.-Pakistan Relations

While expressions of support from Trump's allies have energized PTI supporters, experts caution against expecting substantial policy shifts. Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S., noted that Pakistan remains a low priority for Trump's foreign policy agenda. He emphasized that beyond individual statements, there is no indication of a broader policy change concerning Pakistan. 

Conclusion

The advocacy for Imran Khan's release by figures close to President-elect Donald Trump underscores the intricate interplay between personal relationships and international politics. While these gestures resonate with Khan's supporters, the extent to which they will influence U.S. foreign policy toward Pakistan remains uncertain. As the new administration prepares to take office, the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations will depend on a multitude of factors, including strategic interests and diplomatic engagements.