They are Afraid!

Those who once welcomed foreign interference are now afraid

Pakistan is never short on political drama, with events unfolding faster than anyone can document. Writing about politics of this country often feels like chasing a moving target, as each day brings new twists and turns.

Still, some questions demand answers. After my recent piece on Richard Grenell’s comments about Pakistan, a few PMLN supporters asked why those of us protesting foreign interference in 2022 now appear to welcome it. It’s a fair question, but it’s based on a flawed premise.

Let’s be clear: The claim that “those who opposed foreign interference to topple Imran Khan’s government are now asking for U.S. intervention to reinstate him” is false. Imran Khan, his party, and most of his supporters—including myself—continue to reject foreign meddling in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The position remains consistent: no interference, regardless of whether it supports or opposes Khan. The difference lies in the actions of the current regime, which benefited from U.S. backing in 2022 and is now accusing others of seeking external help in a desperate attempt to discredit critics.

However, let us also be clear: Speaking out about human rights abuses, blatant miscarriages of justice, and politically motivated cases against opponents is not interference. Nor is ending the Biden administration's protection of a regime that violates democratic norms, helping it secure foreign loans, and shielding it from criticism. The EU, previously silent on Pakistan's human rights abuses—whether at the behest of or under pressure from the Biden administration—now appears to have finally woken up. Interference? Not quite—but it’s too little, too late.

Desperation
In 2022, the PDM coalition openly embraced foreign support to oust Khan. Now, with Trump allies hinting at revealing communications related to the regime change, panic is setting in. Figures like Richard Grenell have become vocal critics of Pakistan’s authoritarian turn, leaving the establishment scrambling to discredit them.

It’s worth noting—this is my personal assessment—that Grenell’s push is as much about U.S. politics as it is about Pakistan. Proving foreign interference could strengthen cases against key Biden administration figures like Donald Lu and Victoria Nuland, who were central to the regime change operation. While Trump and Khan shared good relations in the past, their current alignment appears to be based on shared goals rather than personal ties.

Homegrown pressure
While some PTI supporters have expressed satisfaction over Grenell’s comments, including the verbal blows dealt to the regime’s defenders, no, I don’t expect them to secure Khan’s release. This fight must be homegrown. However, I do believe the Biden administration’s protective shield over the regime may no longer hold. That alone, combined with the growing pressure from the Pakistani public, could—and I hope will—lead to Khan’s release.

PMLN and other opponents, however, are likely to attempt spinning this into a narrative they can frame as a deal—whether with themselves or the military. Their desperation for a story that shifts the focus away from their own failures is evident. Yet Khan and PTI remain resolute, refusing to grant them such an opportunity.

Trump’s allies, including Richard Grenell, Marco Rubio, and Tulsi Gabbard through their comments and Social Media engagement, seem committed to fostering ties with the people of Pakistan rather than its establishment. With Khan as Pakistan’s most popular leader, this alignment naturally positions them alongside him, potentially paving the way for a more honest and meaningful partnership between the two nations—unlike the hypocritical and transactional relationships of the past from both sides.

Double Standards
The recent press conference by the DG ISPR exemplifies this hypocrisy. While claiming the military no longer meddles in politics, he mocked Imran Khan for settling militants in Pakistan—a claim that ignores key facts. It was the then-army chief and DG ISI who pushed for these settlements, while Khan and several PTI members resisted the policy. This was quickly documented by a number of politicians who participated in these meetings with the military establishment. After Khan’s government was toppled, the PDM-led regime implemented this policy at the military’s behest.

In the age of social media, such contradictions no longer go unnoticed. The DG ISPR’s accusations and several other claims were quickly debunked, reflecting why the establishment views platforms like Twitter/X as a threat. Transparency is now just a click away.

Building false narratives
Adding to the absurdity, government-backed media outlets have accused Grenell of accepting money from Pakistani Americans to support Khan—claims they cannot substantiate. I hope they get sued for spreading such falsehood, unless they can prove it. They have also accused him for having close relationship with the family of Khans former in-laws. Grenell, far from intimidated, continues to critique the regime, even giving TV interviews to reinforce his points.

The desperation is evident in the regime’s attempts to manufacture narratives on social media. In Pakistani, and Indian, movies, there is a concept called formula films. These are usually quite low budget movies with a wafer-thin plotline where its just necesary to have all the right elements. A love interest. A fight. A dance number etc. What we in the West often just refer to as B movies.

After Grenell's critique, we saw a swarm of formulaic tweets from PMLN politicians, complaining about gross human rights violations during Khan’s term and questioning why Grenell had not spoken out on their behalf. These tweets were supported by what appeared to be comments from the AAN network within the establishment. It was so obviously scripted that it was almost embarrassing to watch. For most of these, their proximity to the truth was about as credible as the plot of a bad B movie.

We have seen this before, when the establishment wants to create a narrative, messages are sent to government tout journalists who trying to make it seem like a trend will make similar tweets, by mistake a few times even with the instructions in them. False people will make false claims I guess.

Against foreign dictation
Here’s the reality: Imran Khan clearly stood against foreign interference in Pakistan’s sovereignty. It was his government that took a firm stance against external dictates, prioritising national interest over appeasing powerful allies. The current regime, which came to power with foreign support, has never truly upheld this principle.

Khan has also spoken out against the misuse of foreign aid, such as funds sent through USAID to politically connected think tanks. For instance, Senator Sherry Rehman leads such a think tank that received $500,000 over a few years to promote “democratic ideas.” Ironically, she and her party now support closed military trials of political opponents—a far cry from democratic values.

Standing With the People
Grenell’s critiques, as well as reports from the UN, EU, and others, are not interference in internal affairs. They highlight human rights abuses, the erosion of democratic norms, and the plight of political prisoners in Pakistan. Unlike the Biden administration, which shields the Islamabad regime from criticism, Grenell has boldly called out these injustices, earning significant support among Pakistanis.

The military establishment and the government of Shahbaz Sharif, the democratic face of this dictatorship, are now working tirelessly to prove their loyalty and usefullness to the Trump administration, doing whatever it takes to ensure the USA allows them to continue to rule Pakistan and keep Khan in jail. Whatever it takes. The people of Pakistan hope they will not succeed.

This is not about choosing sides in a political power struggle. It’s about standing with the people, supporting democratic principles, and rejecting the imprisonment of political opponents. Regime change against democratically elected leaders is wrong—no matter who orchestrates it.

Free Imran Khan!