Trump’s Gratitude to Pakistan: Yet Another Setback for Imran

Khan’s most significant confrontation with the US occurred toward the end of his tenure as Prime Minister. In early 2022, as his government faced mounting political opposition and challenges, Khan began accusing the United States of being involved in a conspiracy to remove him from power. In the months leading up to his ousting in April 2022, Khan repeatedly claimed that the US, in coordination with certain factions within Pakistan’s political and military leadership, orchestrated a plot to destabilize his government. His central accusation was that the US had engineered a no-confidence motion against him in Pakistan’s National Assembly, mainly due to his independent foreign policy stance, which clashed with Washington’s interests. Khan argued that the US disapproved of his refusal not to align with the West, particularly regarding his growing ties with China and Russia. He also criticized the US for its negative response to his outspoken opposition to the US-led war in Afghanistan and its broader foreign policy in the region.

Khan further alleged that a letter from the US embassy in Islamabad conveyed the US’s dissatisfaction with his government and suggested that his removal would be necessary to improve US-Pakistan relations. This “foreign conspiracy” narrative became a central part of his political messaging as he framed himself as a victim of a covert campaign aimed at undermining his government’s sovereignty and legitimacy. The so-called conspiracy theory gained significant traction in Pakistani media, and Khan’s supporters viewed his removal as the result of foreign manipulation. The United States denied the allegations, with both US officials and diplomats in Pakistan dismissing any involvement in Pakistan’s domestic affairs, asserting that Washington had no interest in meddling in Pakistan’s internal politics.

For Khan, these allegations served to rally his base, presenting himself as a so-called nationalist leader fighting for Pakistan’s independence from foreign control. This narrative fit with his broader campaign centered on so-called “sovereignty” and rejecting foreign-imposed decisions. However, after his removal from office in April 2022, Imran Khan’s political trajectory took a dramatic turn. Despite spending much of his tenure as Prime Minister criticizing the US and accusing it of interfering in Pakistan’s affairs, his approach to Washington changed sharply after his ouster. Khan’s rhetoric regarding the US became more measured, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a pragmatic relationship with Washington. While he continued to assert that the US was part of the plot to remove him, he also recognized that engaging with the US was crucial for Pakistan’s political survival and economic future. His post-ouster statements emphasized the need for Pakistan to pursue a balanced foreign policy that would allow for improved relations with the United States. He emphasized his desire for Pakistan to maintain strong relationships with all major powers, including the United States, while firmly asserting the country’s sovereignty and independence. Khan repeatedly stated that he was not inherently anti-American, but rather opposed to any excessive foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. In an effort to restore US support for Pakistan, Khan’s PTI leadership pursued diplomatic outreach, even as Khan continued to criticize Washington’s role in his removal from office. Khan highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance to the United States, given its geopolitical location in South Asia and its role in regional security, particularly concerning Afghanistan. While his efforts to engage with the US were primarily informal and rhetorical at this stage, there was a clear shift in his tone. He acknowledged that Pakistan would need US economic support, especially in securing financial assistance from international institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, where US influence is significant. Khan’s outreach occurred when Pakistan was grappling with economic challenges, such as inflation, a growing fiscal deficit, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves. He recognized that US support could be pivotal in alleviating some of these economic pressures. This pragmatic shift contrasted with his earlier, more confrontational stance on US foreign policy.

Khan’s shift in relations with the US seemed to be influenced by personal politics. While he had previously accused the US of interference, his tone changed dramatically after his imprisonment. He and key members of his party began lobbying for US support to secure his release. PTI leaders like Zulfi Bukhari were active in establishing connections with US officials, meeting with congress members, and urging them to push Pakistan to release Khan. They placed significant hope in President Trump, working hard to align with the Trump administration. However, as previously noted, the policies of countries typically do not change with leadership transitions. US-Pakistan relations are shaped by broader structural factors, and leadership changes alone are unlikely to shift this cooperation.

Khan faced another setback when US President Donald Trump recently thanked Pakistan for its cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. In his first extensive address to Congress since taking office, Trump expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its role in the arrest of a terrorist involved in the Kabul blast of 2021. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also thanked Trump for recognizing Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz further praised Pakistan’s actions, reaching out to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to convey Trump’s appreciation. The terrorist in question had been arrested based on intelligence, linked to a terrorist plot executed during the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

This development was a significant blow to Khan, who had hoped for a supportive tweet from Trump. However, Trump demonstrated restraint by refraining from involving himself in Pakistan’s internal matters or pressuring its legal system. This move served as an eye-opener for Khan, underscoring the need for him to face Pakistan’s legal system with moral courage and integrity. As a vocal proponent of establishing Riasat-e-Madina, he should understand its fundamental principle that all individuals are equal in Islam, and that the same rules and regulations apply to everyone. He should avoid hypocrisy and practice what he preaches. Any relief or support the PTI leadership seeks will come from Pakistan’s institutions and justice system. Imran Khan must recognize this reality and refrain from actions that could harm Pakistan’s interests.