Can Donald Trump help secure Imran Khan’s release?

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is supporting Donald Trump’s bid for the US presidential election, expressing hope that his return to power will pressure the government in Pakistan to ease the situation for Imran Khan and ultimately secure his release. However, the question remains: how feasible is this hope?

The Pakistani-American Public Affairs Committee has voiced its support for Trump’s candidacy, drawing parallels between the former president and their incarcerated leader, as both oppose military war in the region.

The committee also criticised Joe Biden for allegedly facilitating a "legislative coup" against Imran Khan to politically sideline him.

Recently, PTI's US-based representative, Atif Khan, along with other party leaders, hosted Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law and informed her about the ongoing political situation in Pakistan and the status of their party chief in prison.

“She showed great concern about the arrest of Imran Khan and promised to help once Donald Trump is elected,” Sajjad Burki stated.

x.com

Very productive meeting with President Trump’s daughter in law and RNC co chair Lara Trump about the current situation in Pakistan. She showed great concern about the arrest of Imran Khan and promised to help once Donald Trump gets elected. @PTIofficial @PTIOfficialUSA… pic.twitter.com/ZfObvCjuzq

— Sajjad Burki (@SajjadBurki) October 31, 2024

In another social media post, the Pakistan American Council's X account shared a video of a Republican leader praising Imran Khan during a ceremony.

x.com

Chicago Republican Congressman candidate Tim Hanson praised Imran Khan! He feels that a nuclear armed country needs a Pro Peace leader like Imran Khan! Both ⁦@realDonaldTrump⁩ & ⁦⁦@ImranKhanPTI⁩ support Economic progress vs warfare!
⁦⁦@SajjadBurki⁩ pic.twitter.com/e6fLHSzREC

— (PAC) Pak American Council/Pak Global Council -PGC (@PACThinkTank) October 30, 2024

Why does PTI believe that Trump’s election will be key to Imran Khan’s release?

According to experts, PTI is drawn to Trump because former prime minister was invited to the White House in 2019, where he received a warm welcome, and both leaders expressed mutual appreciation.

Meanwhile, interactions between Trump, Republican leaders, and overseas Pakistanis in the US have also fueled this perception.

PTI supporters contend that while Pakistan’s relations with the US were amicable during Trump’s presidency, they considerably deteriorated after Joe Biden's election, particularly regarding the political tensions surrounding Imran Khan and his government.

Recently, lawyer and PTI leader Sardar Altif Khosa indicated that if Trump is elected president, he will help secure Imran Khan’s release.

Can Trump provide real support for Imran Khan?

Experts suggest that the US election is unlikely to bring significant changes to Pakistani politics or provide relief for PTI.

Analyst Uzair Younus stated in a podcast that Trump is unpredictable and does not prioritise human rights or democracy. He noted that the US has a security and foreign policy structure that necessitates cooperation with the military in Pakistan, thus reducing any chances of relief for Imran Khan.

“When it comes to Pakistan's domestic affairs, the US role is often exaggerated,” US-based journalist Raza Rumi told DW.

Some believe that Trump’s increased engagement with the Pakistani government was driven by Washington’s aim to end the war in Afghanistan. Currently, Pakistan has lost its status as a close ally amid the halt of military aid and sanctions on its ballistic missile program.

However, whether Trump will act on PTI’s desires and apply pressure on the Pakistani government through maneuvering the IMF and World Bank will depend on the results of the November 5 elections.