Imran seeks US help over political crisis in purported audio leak

Leaked audio reveals PTI chief’s Zoom meeting with US Congresswoman Maxine Moore Waters

In a surprising turn of events, an audio clip allegedly capturing a Zoom meeting between former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan and US Congresswoman Maxine Moore Waters has surfaced on social media, causing a stir among political circles.

Notwithstanding its public posturing against the United States, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been making behind-the-scene efforts to repair ties with Washington as the former ruling party has abandoned its anti-US narrative it adopted following Khan’s ouster from power through a no-trust vote in parliament last year.

Today’s audio leak comes on the heels of PTI chief’s narrative makeover of the alleged regime-change conspiracy after months-long bashing of the US and its officials.

The purported leaked audio provides insights into the conversation between the two leaders, shedding light on various issues discussed during the meeting.

After absolutely not... Now absolutely yes ... #imranKhanPTI seeking #American @USCongress for him... Your analysis with decent comments welcome pic.twitter.com/kmvmKoL2Md

— Mateen Haider (@haider_mateen) May 20, 2023

According to the purported audio, Khan began the meeting by expressing his belief that he enjoys widespread popularity in Pakistan, stating that "99% of Pakistan wants Imran Khan." He further claimed to be the most popular political leader in the country.

The audio clip also revealed Khan's account of a recent assassination attempt on his life, disclosing that he had been shot three times in the leg. He emphasised that Pakistan was currently facing an immensely challenging situation, describing it as the most difficult period in the nation's history.

As the discussion continued, Imran Khan, in his customary fashion, shifted the blame for the attack onto the military establishment and intelligence agencies. He claimed that these institutions wielded significant power within Pakistan.

Also read: Imran Khan takes a U-turn on ‘US conspiracy’ narrative

Khan specifically attributed the incident to the no-confidence motion against him, while highlighting the economic performance during his party’s tenure as the best in the country's history. Khan appealed to Congresswoman Waters to support him and raise her voice in his favour.

Towards the end of the Zoom meeting, the leaked audio indicated a sense of contentment among Imran Khan and his colleagues. Their apparent happiness hinted at positive outcomes or agreements reached during the discussion, although specific details regarding these developments remain undisclosed.

The authenticity of the leaked audio clip and the context surrounding it have yet to be independently verified. As news of the purported meeting spreads, it has triggered a flurry of discussions and speculations about its potential implications for the country’s politics.

After the US, Imran and his party had started accusing former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa of exercising sweeping powers in most matters of governance during its tenure, saying the PTI was left to take all the blame. Surprising as it may seem, both the PTI and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have accused Gen Bajwa and other retired generals of political interference but no action has so far been taken against anyone.