Richard Grenell, a close confidant of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political landscape with his persistent calls for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Apexnewsgh reports
Grenell’s advocacy on social media platform X, where he tweeted “Free Imran Khan!”, has garnered significant attention in Pakistan, with many interpreting it as a sign of Trump’s support for Khan.
The situation escalated on November 26 when Pakistani authorities violently dispersed opposition protesters demanding Khan’s release in Islamabad. Grenell’s initial tweet received limited attention, but it gained traction on December 15 when Trump appointed him as special envoy for global missions.
Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and its supporters amplified Grenell’s message, prompting a response from Pakistan’s Geo News channel, which described Grenell as “homosexual” in a headline.
Undeterred, Grenell reiterated his call to free Khan, noting that his previous tweet had garnered 10 million views. Grenell’s pro-Khan stance has sparked speculation about its implications for Pakistan’s political landscape. Some Pakistani commentators have dismissed his tweets as publicity-seeking, while others believe they could influence the new U.S. administration’s interactions with Islamabad.
Grenell’s credentials are impressive, having served as U.S. ambassador to Germany, special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, and acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s first administration. His latest tweet was in response to concerns expressed by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin about the deadly opposition protests in Islamabad last month.
With Grenell’s appointment as special envoy, many are watching to see how his advocacy for Khan will shape U.S.-Pakistan relations.
