The PML-N government seems to be quietly realizing that the much-discussed lifeline from Washington for the imprisoned former prime minister, Imran Khan, is not coming anytime soon, at least not just yet.
For months, PTI and Imran’s followers held onto the hope that their leader’s prospects might change if the US government changed.
Theories abound on social media, supporting the notion that the former prime minister’s future may be altered by a single White House call. The expectations were too high, though, according to recent diplomatic talks between the PML-N government and the incoming United state leadership.
According to a senior PML-N minister who spoke on condition of anonymity, Imran “is not even on the US’ to-do list.”
The direct statement not only captures the tone of the ruling party following a number of meetings with United state officials, but it also dashes PTI’s aspirations because the much-awaited political rescue from Washington does not appear to be imminent.
According to the minister, the viewpoint came about as a result of recent contacts with US officials, who instructed Pakistani counterparts to ignore the fervor on social media over Imran’s incarceration. He also stated that no formal objections had been voiced regarding the issue.
“In our recent interactions, it became clear that they aren’t interested in Imran Khan,” stated the minister.
He stated that it was not a problem for them and had not been brought up at any level. “They said don’t even bother about the noise on social media,” he added.
Imran is still being held at Adiala jail, where he is dealing with several convictions and other legal issues. His party and followers ran passionate campaigns, but the United State has continuously upheld its non-interference policy.
This stance was reaffirmed twice by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce in March of this year.
In response to a question regarding Khan “languishing in jail for the last two years” on March 19, Bruce refused to comment on “the internal frameworks of another country”. The spokesperson had already avoided answering a question about US President Donald Trump’s anticipated support for Imran during a March 6 media briefing.
However, the rumor mill continued to run, with recent reports indicating that Imran Khan and a United State delegation will meet. The administration promptly denied the assertion.
“There was no such meeting.” “I firmly deny these rumors,” stated Senator Irfan Siddiqui, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the parliamentary leader of the PML-N in the Senate.
According to reports, PTI’s efforts to start a conversation with the influential stakeholders haven’t gone very far. The official channels are silent, and Khan’s legal troubles are still ongoing, despite social media being rife with speculation about his impending release or political upheavals.
Imran had long been waiting for a breakthrough to revive his flagging political fortunes, and in January, the embattled former ruling party claimed to have finally found the lost key and opened the door for an audience with Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Syed Asim Munir.
However, the government side was quick to reject the meeting. Senator Siddiqui stated that no separate “exclusive meeting” was held and that the meeting in question was deliberately called to discuss the security situation.
It’s interesting to note that PTI has come under fire for seemingly favoring the United State when it comes to aid requests, especially in light of Imran’s previous statements.
Imran was well-known for chastising Washington throughout his time as prime minister, particularly when his government accused him of being removed due to a “foreign conspiracy”.
The PML-N government is aware of the paradox, but PTI supporters’ seeming expectation of US backing calls into question the party’s historical narrative.
The PML-N leaders claim that the United State has not yet shown any covert signs of concern over Imran’s detention.
They contend that Washington instead continues to place a higher priority on economic stability, counterterrorism cooperation, and regional security in its interactions with Islamabad. Bruce echoed this position when he said that “we extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan” for apprehending the suspected ISIS-K planner and operative who killed over 160 Afghans and 13 United state service members at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan.
“And I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” President Trump remarked in his speech to Congress, expressing his gratitude for the high-value arrest. To the surprise of many who believed Pakistan was no longer important in Washington, Trump added.
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Q1: What is the current stance of the PML-N government on Imran Khan’s expected foreign rescue?
The PML-N leadership appears to quietly accept that the anticipated lifeline from abroad for the imprisoned ex-prime minister, Imran Khan, is unlikely to materialize anytime soon.
Q2: Why did PTI supporters believe international intervention was possible?
For months, PTI leaders and supporters held onto the belief that a shift in foreign leadership or diplomacy might influence Khan’s legal fate. Social media was flooded with speculation that a single foreign call could reverse his political fortunes.
Q3: What did recent diplomatic discussions reveal?
According to a senior PML-N minister, recent interactions with global counterparts indicate that Imran Khan is not a priority on the international diplomatic agenda. “He is not even on their to-do list,” the minister said.
Q4: Has any foreign government raised objections about Khan’s imprisonment?
No. Officials reportedly advised Pakistani authorities to ignore social media hype and confirmed that no formal concerns had been raised regarding Imran’s incarceration.
Q5: What is Imran Khan’s current legal status?
Imran Khan remains in Adiala jail, facing multiple convictions and ongoing legal cases. Despite passionate campaigns from his party, no external power has stepped in, and foreign policy continues to focus on regional security and economic cooperation.
Q6: Has there been any recent contact between PTI and global influencers?
Rumors of a meeting between Imran Khan and an international delegation were officially denied. PTI’s outreach attempts have reportedly made little headway, and key stakeholders remain unengaged.
