Imran Khan Sees Opportunity in Trump’s Victory, Hopes for Strengthened US-Pakistan Relations, Says PTI Leader
Ali Muhammad Khan, a senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, revealed that Imran Khan expressed optimism following Donald Trump’s election win over Kamala Harris, viewing it as a potential shift toward “positivity” in US-Pakistan relations. Imran believes that Trump’s administration could ease what he describes as an atmosphere of “negativity” that emerged under President Joe Biden, especially concerning Pakistan’s domestic affairs. This sentiment from Imran, according to Ali, highlights the strained relationship that PTI attributes to alleged US interference under the Biden administration.
The PTI has long maintained that the Biden government’s influence contributed to Imran’s ouster from his prime ministerial post in April 2022. “Imran felt that there was a lot of interference in Pakistan’s affairs, and this led to negative relations,” Ali said, adding that Imran contrasted his previous interactions with Trump’s administration, describing them as more amicable and cooperative.
Ali explained that PTI’s international supporters are similarly hopeful that Trump’s return to the White House might benefit Imran’s political position, especially given the current political and diplomatic challenges the PTI faces. “Overseas PTI members, who have actively campaigned for Imran Khan’s release, believe that a Trump administration could help improve the overall environment and reduce some of the difficulties,” he said.
Ali also praised Imran’s commitment to staying in Pakistan despite the pressures on him, saying he remains ready to address legal challenges imposed by the current government. Ali added that with unbiased treatment from Pakistan’s state institutions, he believes the country’s political situation could stabilize.
Government’s View on Trump’s Victory and Imran’s Situation
On the other side, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif remarked in a broadcast’ special US election coverage that the government doesn’t anticipate Trump directly advocating for Imran Khan’s release from prison. “We don’t expect Trump to push for the PTI founder’s release. We’ll wait and see how things unfold over the next 15 to 20 days to understand his administration’s stance,” Asif commented, suggesting caution in anticipating any immediate impact from Trump’s win on Pakistan’s internal political issues.
PTI leader Raoof Hasan echoed this sentiment, clarifying that the party has not depended on Trump’s election for Imran’s release. “We’ve never relied on any foreign government’s influence. PTI is pursuing its goals through Pakistan’s judiciary, parliament, and organized protests,” Hasan asserted. He added that no discussions within the parliamentary party have relied on or anticipated Trump’s support.
Reflections on Past US-Pakistan Relations and Future Prospects
Ali shared that Imran’s reaction to Trump’s win included recalling the constructive relationship he enjoyed with the US during his tenure as prime minister. He compared this to the interference and obstacles he attributed to the Biden administration, noting that Trump’s return might pave the way for improved diplomacy.
The PTI leader remarked that Imran’s hopes are fueled by the possibility of renewed ties that could be more mutually beneficial and respectful of Pakistan’s sovereignty. With Trump’s win, Imran sees a “golden opportunity” for a diplomatic reset, and PTI leadership is eager to see how this shift in US leadership could influence their own political path forward, especially as Trump’s administration shapes up in the weeks ahead.
