ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed support for the recent remarks made by Richard Grenell, former US President Donald Trump’s nominee for special envoy on missions, who called for the release of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan. Grenell, a close ally of Trump, stirred attention in Pakistan when he demanded the release of Imran Khan, who was ousted from office in April 2022 following a parliamentary no-confidence vote.
In a tweet on November 26, Grenell urged the Pakistani authorities to “Release Imran Khan,” coinciding with a crackdown on PTI protesters in Islamabad. Grenell, speaking to US media a day earlier, stated that the relationship between the United States and Pakistan had been much stronger during the Trump administration, particularly when Imran Khan led the country. He highlighted that Imran, as an outsider and former cricket player, had communicated in a straightforward manner, which resonated well with Trump.
Grenell’s call for Imran’s release has sparked varying responses in Pakistan. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan clarified that while the party appreciates Grenell’s remarks, they do not seek external intervention in Pakistan’s internal affairs. He emphasized that Imran Khan’s release would be determined by Pakistan’s laws and constitution, with the involvement of the Pakistani people and the judiciary.
On the other hand, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has strongly objected to Grenell’s statement, insisting that this matter should remain within Pakistan’s sovereignty. PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry reiterated the government’s stance that the US must respect Pakistan’s internal matters and rejected any form of intervention. The Pakistani government has made it clear that it would not succumb to any pressure from the US regarding Imran Khan’s release.
Despite these contrasting views, PTI leaders, including Sheikh Waqas Akram, Zartaj Gul, and Aliya Hamza, have welcomed Grenell’s human rights statement, but they remain firm that the release of their leader must follow legal and constitutional channels without foreign interference.
