Will Donald Trump advocate for Imran Khan’s release?

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump’s win in the US presidential elections has ignited speculation among supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan regarding the possibility of his release from prison.

Many Pakistani Americans supporting Imran Khan believe that Trump might advocate for the former Prime Minister during a second term, citing the close relationship they shared during Trump’s first presidency, according to an article published in the Foreign Policy Magazine.

The two met several times, including at the White House, with Trump referring to Khan as a “good friend.”

However, Michael Kugelman, author of the South Asia Brief at the Wilson Center, suggests these interactions were likely less about genuine friendship and more about Trump’s desire to facilitate meetings with the Taliban to manage the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

PM congratulates Trump on his “historic” victory

Kugelman points to Trump’s silence regarding Imran Khan during his current election campaign as an indication that the former Prime Minister and Pakistan may not be high on his priority list.

Last week, Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to condemn the treatment of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, describing the country as being in a state of “total chaos.” He also praised the US-India partnership, a statement welcomed by Hindu American activists.

However, despite the hope by supporters of the imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan that Trump might make a mention of his plight he did not.

The overall sentiment expressed is one of cautious optimism among Imran Khan’s supporters, tempered by the realistic assessment that Trump’s focus may lie elsewhere.

Khan remains behind bars after he was arrested in August 2023 following his conviction on corruption charges related to the Toshakhana case – where he was accused of selling state gifts, unlawfully – among many other charges.