Zalmay Khalilzad again cautions against action on Imran Khan

Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US representative for Afghanistan, cautioned Pakistan again on Wednesday against taking action against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan despite a warning from the Foreign Office to avoid interfering in domestic matters.

The former US diplomat stated in a series of tweets today that there are signs Pakistan’s parliament may seek the Supreme Court to bar Imran Khan from standing for office and perhaps outlaw PTI in the coming days.

“Imran Khan appears to have been designated as the State’s No. 1 enemy by the authorities. Such actions would further exacerbate Pakistan’s political, economic, and security difficulties. Some nations have already halted planned investments,” he added.

“The IMF’s support is still in question.”

Khalilzad sent a warning to the government, stating that if the measures he suggested were implemented, political division and bloodshed would “likely increase,” foreign support for Pakistan would “decline further,” and so on.

“I hope that Pakistani political leaders would rise above divisive, trivial politics that harm the interests of the country. If not, I hope the Supreme Court rejects the employment of players in games that harm the interests of the country. Pakistan is causing me growing amounts of worry.

The Foreign Office vehemently disagreed with Khalilzad’s “lectures” last week and informed him that his input was not required.

“Pakistan doesn’t need lectures or unwelcome advice from anyone on how to handle the difficulties we are now facing. We shall overcome the current challenging position stronger because we are a resilient country.

It is crucial to remember that the PTI hired lobbying firms in the US, and as a result, several Congressmen and other powerful people have defended the former prime minister.

Since being removed from power, the previous ruling party has been involved in several legal disputes and is facing issues.