3 weeks ago
11
ARTICLE AD BOX
There are various reports suggesting that the United States may have played a role in the political unrest in Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina. These reports claim that U.S. agencies have been involved in the situation for years, and now, with their operations in Bangladesh reportedly concluded, the U.S. appears to be shifting its focus to Pakistan. Even before Donald Trump assumed office, the U.S. began influencing Pakistan’s political landscape. Recently, when Pakistan’s military court sentenced 25 supporters of Imran Khan, the U.S. strongly reacted. The U.S. State Department condemned the verdict, and a close associate of Trump called for the immediate release of Imran Khan. This raises the question: Can Donald Trump exert pressure on Pakistan to release Imran Khan?
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, rumors of a potential coup in Pakistan are circulating. This is partly due to Richard Grenell, a key ally of Trump, who issued a warning to Pakistan following the military court’s ruling. Grenell has been vocal in demanding the release of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year. On November 26, Grenell posted on X, calling for ‘Release Imran Khan,’ which only intensified the situation in Pakistan.
Middle East report sparks growing tensions
A report from the Middle East has created a stir, citing several leaders from Imran Khan’s party, PTI, who claim to have received support from the Donald Trump administration. It is expected that in the near future, pressure will be exerted on Pakistan’s military and the Shehbaz Sharif government to release Imran Khan. According to a PTI core committee member, the ongoing protests from party supporters and the signals from Trump indicate that such pressure is likely.
Response from Shehbaz Sharif’s government
Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif’s political advisor, firmly stated, “We will never accept pressure from the United States or any other government, even regarding Imran Khan’s release. If there is any interference from the U.S., we will consider it an intrusion into Pakistan’s internal affairs. We will not work under the influence of Donald Trump.”
Why the situation is escalating
Imran Khan is seen as a supporter of Donald Trump. Under the Biden administration’s influence, Shehbaz Sharif took significant actions against Imran Khan, but as Sharif’s ties with China became more visible, it raised concerns in the U.S. Sharif has been seen cozying up to America’s adversaries, China and Iran, which is unsettling for Washington.
English (US)