By Zain Khan Watozai
As the political drama unfolds around Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister, speculations are mounting about the extent of support Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, might offer to secure Khan’s release from prison. Trump’s history with Imran Khan, coupled with recent moves like appointing Richard Grenell as his special envoy for global affairs, raises questions about whether the ex-president’s involvement is rooted in genuine concern or strategic alignment.
Richard Grenell’s Outspoken Advocacy
Trump’s envoy, Richard Grenell, has taken a proactive stance on the issue, regularly tweeting and posting in favor of Imran Khan under hashtags like #FreeImranKhan. Grenell has even criticized the current U.S. administration for issuing what he called a “weak” statement on Khan’s imprisonment, stating that the White House’s position on the matter is “too late and insufficient.”
Grenell’s vocal support aligns with Trump’s historically bold rhetoric, particularly during his presidential campaigns. However, this pattern of outspoken advocacy also raises skepticism, as similar promises made by Trump during his first term in office, such as resolving the Pakistan-India dispute over Kashmir, failed to materialize into concrete action.
The Trump-Imran Dynamic: Campaign Slogans or Strategic Bonds?
Trump’s first term (2017–2021) saw a high-profile meeting with Imran Khan at the White House. The event was marked by ceremonial gestures, full-fledged support, and public proclamations of collaboration. Trump had once promised to help mediate the Kashmir issue, a longstanding and volatile matter between Pakistan and India. However, this promise, like many others, remained unfulfilled as his term progressed, reducing it to a campaign slogan rather than a strategic initiative.
Post-Trump presidency, relations between the U.S. and Imran Khan took a downturn. While in office, Trump extended gestures of friendship to Khan, but after his administration ended, Washington’s tone shifted, aligning with the PDM government and becoming increasingly critical of Khan’s policies.
Shared Struggles: Similar Charges, Parallel Prison Time
An interesting layer to Trump’s potential support for Khan lies in the striking similarities in the charges both leaders face. Trump’s legal battles in the United States mirror Khan’s in Pakistan: allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and cases resulting in jail time. Both leaders also maintain a loyal base that views these charges as politically motivated and part of a larger establishment conspiracy.
These parallels could inspire Trump to extend additional effort toward advocating for Khan’s release, given their shared experience of navigating legal and political crises. Trump might see in Khan a reflection of his own battles against institutions he often describes as “rigged” or unjust.
Can Trump Be Trusted?
Despite this alignment, Trump’s track record suggests caution. His promises to fix major geopolitical issues, including the Kashmir conflict, have historically fallen flat. Similarly, while Grenell’s efforts and statements are gaining traction online, they do not yet signal an organized diplomatic strategy aimed at Khan’s release.
Moreover, with Trump focusing on his 2024 presidential campaign, his support for Imran Khan might largely serve as a tool for rallying his own base. By framing Khan’s imprisonment as part of a global trend of targeting political leaders, Trump can bolster his narrative of fighting against an overreaching establishment.
The Road Ahead
Whether Trump’s involvement will truly impact Imran Khan’s fate remains uncertain. While his and Grenell’s efforts are raising international awareness, their current influence is limited as Trump is out of power. Should Trump regain the presidency, his administration might take more decisive steps—but given his past record, whether those steps would translate into meaningful action is still up for debate.
For now, the parallels between Trump and Khan offer a unique narrative, but they may not be enough to inspire any tangible changes in Khan’s legal predicament. The real question is whether Trump’s support is genuine or just another campaign slogan in the making.
