Khalilzad urges civil-military leadership to change ‘disastrous’ course

This was ex-US diplomat’s third statement in a week on brewing political tensions in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

Despite the Foreign Office rejoinder, former US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad continued to dwell on the current political situation in Pakistan as on Thursday he came up with another statement urging the country's civil and military leadership to change the "disastrous" course.

In a message on Twitter greeting Muslims around the world on the start of Ramazan, Khalilzad used the occasion to ask Islamic countries to reflect upon in the holy month.

Happy Ramazan. Ramazan Mubarak. Ramadan Kareem. Ramadan is intended to be a time of reflection and kindness. We can only hope that the leaders of Islamic countries will use this special period for that purpose. In Pakistan, civil and military leaders might ponder the state of…

— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) March 23, 2023

"In Pakistan, civil and military leaders might ponder the state of their country and the disastrous course it is on. In respect for their obligations and in the interest of their people, they should change course," he wrote.

Also read: Khalilzad ‘pro-Imran statement’ irked FO

This was his third statement in a week on the brewing political tensions in Pakistan. Many were taken by surprise the manner in which former US diplomat was taking keen interest in Pakistan politics and making specific proposals.

On March 14, Khalilzad in a series of tweets said Pakistan was facing triple crises that warranted a soul searching.

I hope the Pakistani political leaders rise above destructive petty politics that undermine the national interest. If not, I hope the Supreme Court says no to being used in games that undermine the nation's interests. I am becoming increasingly concerned about Pakistan.
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— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) March 21, 2023

As Lahore descended into chaos after the police attempted to arrest PTI Chairman Imran Khan last week, the former US ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq wrote: “Pakistan faces a triple crisis: political, economic, and security. Despite great potential, it is underperforming and falling far behind its archrival, India. It is time for serious soul-searching, bold thinking, and strategizing.”

The IMF support remains doubtful. If the steps mentioned take place, international support for #Pakistan will decline further. Political polarization and violence will likely increase.

— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) March 21, 2023

“The sequential cannibalising of its leaders through jailing, execution, assassination, etc is the wrong path,” Khalilzad said and went on to caution that Khan’s arrest would only “deepen the crisis”.

There are indications that Pakistan's parliament, which is controlled by the governing coalition, might well ask the Supreme Court to disqualify Imran Khan from running for election and even prohibit PTI in the next few days.
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— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) March 21, 2023

He suggested two steps to deal with the brewing political and economic crises.

The first step, he said, would be holding parliamentary elections in June.

Secondly, he called for using the time for main political parties to “confront what has gone wrong and propose a specific plan to rescue and put the country on a path to stability, security, and prosperity”.

“Whichever party wins the election will have a mandate from the people on what must be done,” he said.

But his statement drew strong reaction from the Foreign Office.

Read more: Pakistan’s ‘triple crises’ to deepen if Imran is disqualified, warns Khalilzad

“Pakistan does not need lectures or unsolicited advice from anyone on how to cope with the challenges we face today. As a resilient nation we will come out stronger from the present difficult situation,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

But despite Pakistan's objection, Khalilzad issued another statement this week warning authorities not to ban Imran from taking part in politics.

"There are indications that Pakistan's parliament, which is controlled by the governing coalition, might well ask the Supreme Court to disqualify Imran Khan from running for election and even prohibit PTI in the next few days," Khalilzad claimed.

"The government appears to have decided to set up Imran Khan as Enemy No 1 of the State. Such steps will only deepen Pakistan's triple crises: political, economic, and security. Already, some countries have suspended planned investments," he said.

"The IMF support remains doubtful. If the steps mentioned take place, international support for Pakistan will decline further. Political polarization and violence will likely increase," he added.

"I hope the Pakistani political leaders rise above destructive petty politics that undermine the national interest. If not, I hope the Supreme Court says no to being used in games that undermine the nation's interests. I am becoming increasingly concerned about Pakistan."

The series of statements given by the former diplomat is seen as a result of lobbying by PTI in Washington. The party reportedly hired a lobbying firm in February to restore its ties with the US.

Sources said Khalilzad developed close ties with the government of then premier Imran when he was president Trump’s pointman on Afghanistan.

One source privy to close contacts between the PTI government and former diplomat told The Express Tribune that Khalilzad played a key role in bringing Imran and Trump close on Afghanistan.

The other person was Senator Lindsey Graham.

“Therefore, it is possible that Khalilzad issued a statement after being approached by the PTI,” a source said.

Khalilzad is the first US former diplomat who issued a statement in favour of Imran.

Recently, US Congressman Brad Sherman too voiced concerns over the human rights situation particularly with regard to alleged police highhandedness against the PTI workers.

Observers believe it is possible that pro-Imran statements coming from the US may be the result of behind the scene lobbying by the PTI or its supporters having influence in Washington.