WASHINGTON: Another statement in support of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan by a member of US President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming team has again raised the spirits of the opposition leader’s party, which has been campaigning for his release.
In an interview with the US digital platform Newsmax on Wednesday, Richard Grenell, who has been named as Trump’s ‘envoy for special missions’, sharply criticised the Biden administration’s policies toward Pakistan, particularly its handling of the country’s missile programme and the imprisonment of Imran Khan.
Grenell’s outspoken comments, part of a growing series of statements and tweets made over the past couple of weeks, have garnered significant attention in Pakistan, where both the government and the opposition are grappling with the implications of his remarks.
Known for his active engagement on social media, Grenell has frequently tweeted in support of the imprisoned former prime minister, urging his release. His posts, including the now-viral “Free Imran Khan!” tweet, have been widely shared by PTI supporters.
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In the appearance on Newsmax, Grenell pointed out that Trump’s administration had a much better relationship with Pakistan, especially under the leadership of Imran Khan.
“That’s because Imran Khan was an outlier. He was a former cricket player who wasn’t a politician. He spoke in very common-sense language, and he and Donald Trump had a very good relationship.”
