Webdesk: Former US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad recommended Pakistan not to take action against Imran Khan. He tweeted despite Foreign Office instructions to avoid domestic matters.
The former US diplomat stated in a series of tweets today that there are indications that Pakistan’s parliament may urge the Supreme Court to disqualify Imran Khan from running for election and even ban PTI in the coming days.
“The government appears to have decided to designate Imran Khan as the state’s number one enemy. Their actions will further exacerbate Pakistan’s political, economic, and security challenges. Already, several nations have halted investment plans, he asserted.
“The support of the IMF remains uncertain.”
Khalilzad cautioned the administration that international support for Pakistan would “decline further” and that political polarisation and violence would “likely increase” if the tactics he outlined were adopted.
“I hope the political leaders of Pakistan would rise above damaging petty politics that damage national interests. If not, I hope the Supreme Court rejects participation in games that damage national interests. I am growing more worried about Pakistan.”
The Foreign Office responded harshly to Khalilzad’s “lectures” last week and informed him that his criticism is unnecessary.
“Pakistan does not require lectures or unsolicited advice on how to face the challenges we face today. As a resilient nation, we shall emerge from the current adversity stronger.”
It is vital to note that the PTI has hired lobbying firms in the United States, as a result of which a number of Congressmen and key persons have endorsed the former prime minister.
After its removal from power, the former ruling party has been entangled in controversy and faced several judicial challenges.
