ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s defense minister shrugs off Richard Grenell’s calls for Imran Khan’s release, as Donald Trump’s nominee for special missions responded to a tweet shared by a Pakistani TV channel.
Khawaja Asif responded to the social media post shared by Richard Grenell, calling for the release of the former Prime Minister, who remained behind bars since August last year.
Grenell, in a post on microblogging platform X, called for releasing Imran Khan. He previously criticized the charges against PTI founder as his posts gained attention after Trump announced Grenell’s appointment, sparking hopes among pro-Khan supporters that Grenell might advocate for Khan’s release.
Responding to the tweet, the Pakistani minister downplayed concerns over possible pressure on Khan’s release. He mentioned such comments would not influence government-to-government ties, emphasizing that Grenell’s tweets would have no real consequences.
Despite the PTI founder being in prison for 16 months, his supporters continue to flock to capital Islamabad in large numbers, pushing through the barriers. In response, Pakistani authorities cracked down on PTI members, with several arrests under a new law limiting public gatherings.
Despite facing heat, Imran Khan’s party remains defiant, continuing to use social media to rally support, while the authorities strengthen its control with new legislation.
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