They are afraid! – by Shoaib Sultan

Pakistan is never short of political drama, with events unfolding faster than anyone can document. Writing about the politics of this country often feels like chasing a moving target, as each day brings new twists and turns.

However, some questions require answers. After my recent article on Richard Grenell's comments on Pakistan, a few PMLN supporters wondered why those of us who were protesting foreign interference in 2022 now seemed to welcome it. It's a legitimate question, but it's based on a flawed premise.

Let us be clear: the claim that those who opposed foreign interference to overthrow Imran Khan's government are now seeking US intervention to reinstate him is false. Imran Khan, his party and most of his supporters, including myself, continue to reject any foreign interference in Pakistan's internal affairs. The position remains consistent: no interference, whether supporting or opposing Khan. The difference lies in the actions of the current regime, which benefited from US support in 2022 and now accuses others of seeking outside help in a desperate attempt to discredit critics.

However, let us be clear: denouncing human rights violations, egregious miscarriages of justice, and politically motivated prosecutions of opponents does not constitute interference. Nor should we end the protection given by the Biden administration to a regime that violates democratic norms, by helping it obtain foreign loans and shielding it from criticism. The EU, previously silent on human rights violations in Pakistan, whether at the request or pressure of the Biden administration, now appears to have finally woken up. Interference? Not quite, but it's too little, too late.

DespairIn 2022, the PDM coalition openly welcomed foreign support to oust Khan. Now, as Trump allies hint at revealing communications linked to regime change, panic is setting in. Figures like Richard Grenell have become vocal critics of Pakistan's authoritarian turn, leaving the establishment scrambling to discredit them.

It is worth noting that, in my personal assessment, Grenell's pressure is as much about US policy as it is about Pakistan. Proving foreign interference could strengthen the prosecution of key Biden administration figures like Donald Lu and Victoria Nuland, who played central roles in the regime change operation. While Trump and Khan had a good relationship in the past, their current alignment appears to be based on common goals rather than personal ties.

Local pressure Although some PTI supporters expressed satisfaction with Grenell's comments, including verbal jabs at regime defenders, no, I don't expect them to secure Khan's release. This fight must be local. However, I think the Biden administration's protective shield over the regime may no longer hold. This alone, combined with growing pressure from Pakistani public opinion, could and I hope will lead to Khan's release.

The PMLN and other opponents, however, will likely try to spin this into a narrative that they can present as a deal, whether with themselves or with the military. Their desperation for a story that distracts from their own failures is evident. Yet Khan and the PTI remain resolute, refusing to grant them such an opportunity.

Trump allies, including Richard Grenell, Marco Rubio and Tulsi Gabbard, through their comments and engagement on social media, appear determined to foster ties with the people of Pakistan rather than their establishment. With Khan as Pakistan's most popular leader, this alignment naturally positions them alongside him, potentially paving the way for a more honest and meaningful partnership between the two nations, unlike the hypocritical and transactional relationships of the past on both sides.

Double standardsThe recent DG ISPR press conference illustrates this hypocrisy. While asserting that the army no longer meddles in politics, he mocked Imran Khan for installing militants in Pakistan while ignoring key facts. It was the then army chief and the ISI DG who pushed for these settlements, while Khan and several PTI members resisted the policy. This was quickly documented by a number of politicians who participated in these meetings with the military establishment. After the overthrow of Khan's government, the PDM-led regime implemented this policy at the request of the military.

In the age of social networks, such contradictions no longer go unnoticed. The DG ISPR's accusations and several other claims were quickly debunked, reflecting why the establishment views platforms like Twitter/X as a threat. Transparency is now just a click away.

Constructing False Narratives Adding to the absurdity, government-backed media outlets have accused Grenell of accepting money from Pakistani Americans to support Khan's claims that they cannot substantiate. I hope they are prosecuted for spreading such lies unless they can prove it. They also accused him of having close relations with the family of Khan's former in-laws. Grenell, far from being intimidated, continued to criticize the regime, even giving television interviews to reinforce his remarks.

The desperation is evident in the regime's attempts to fabricate narratives on social media. In Pakistani and Indian films, there is a concept called formula film. These are usually low budget films with a very thin plot where you just need to have all the right elements. A love interest. A fight. A dance number, etc. What we in the West often simply call B movies.

After Grenell's criticism, we saw a swarm of stereotypical tweets from PMLN politicians, complaining about gross human rights violations during Khan's tenure and questioning why Grenell had not spoken out on their behalf. These tweets were supported by what appeared to be comments from the AAN network within the establishment. It was so scripted it was almost embarrassing to watch. For most of them, their proximity to the truth was as believable as the plot of a bad B-movie.

We've seen it before, when the establishment wants to create a narrative, messages are sent to government reporters trying to make it appear that a trend will post similar tweets, mistakenly repeatedly, even with the instructions that they contain. Fake people will make false claims, I suppose.

Against foreign dictationHere is the reality: Imran Khan clearly opposed foreign interference in Pakistan's sovereignty. It was his government that took a firm stance against external diktats, prioritizing the national interest over the appeasement of powerful allies. The current regime, which came to power with foreign support, has never truly respected this principle.

Khan has also spoken out against the misuse of foreign aid, such as funds sent through USAID to politically connected think tanks. For example, Senator Sherry Rehman runs a think tank that received $500,000 over a few years to promote democratic ideas. Ironically, she and her party now support closed-door military trials of political opponents, a far cry from democratic values.

Alongside the people Grenell's criticisms, as well as reports from the UN, EU and others, do not constitute interference in domestic affairs. They highlight human rights violations, the erosion of democratic norms and the plight of political prisoners in Pakistan. Unlike the Biden administration, which shields the Islamabad regime from criticism, Grenell courageously spoke out against these injustices, gaining significant support among Pakistanis.

The military establishment and the government of Shahbaz Sharif, the democratic face of this dictatorship, are now working tirelessly to prove their loyalty and usefulness to the Trump administration, doing whatever it takes to ensure that the United States- United allows them to continue to rule Pakistan and keep Khan. in prison. At any rate. The people of Pakistan hope that he will not succeed.

This is not about choosing sides in a political power struggle. It is about standing with the people, supporting democratic principles and rejecting the imprisonment of political opponents. Regime change against democratically elected leaders is wrong, no matter who orchestrates it.

Free Imran Khan!

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