Khalilzad’s commentary on Pakistani politics irks Biden administration

State Department has cautioned veteran diplomat over recent statements on Pakistan’s political situation, say sources

ISLAMABAD:

The Biden administration is not happy with former US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for his running commentary on the internal political matters of Pakistan as it has cautioned the veteran diplomat, according to sources.

Sources familiar with the development told The Express Tribune that though Khalilzad as retired diplomat is entitled to comment on any issue, the US government felt his recent statements and remarks on Pakistan’s political situation could complicate the already complex bilateral relationship.

Khalilzad, who served as US ambassador to Iraq, Afghanistan and also was President Trump’s point man for Afghanistan, has been active on Twitter in recent weeks, making comments on the domestic political situation.

His comments are seen as in favour of embattled former prime minister Imran Khan. But what alarmed the Biden administration was his scathing criticism against the Pakistani military leadership including Army Chief General Asim Munir.

Sources said the State Department conveyed its concerns to Khalilzad and advised him to observe caution in commenting on the domestic political situation.

Observers find it intriguing the manner with which Khalilzad has been relentlessly commenting on the political matters of Pakistan. Some of them found him more of a PTI Supporter than a former diplomat.

Also read: Khalilzad lashes out at Sanaullah over ‘false’ claims

It is not clear if Khalilzad will pay heed to the State Department's advice as people who know the veteran diplomat are of the view that former US envoy on Afghanistan considers himself someone who can't be swayed by such advisories. Also the fact Khalilzad represents the Republican party while the Democrats are currently in the government.

Observers believe Khalilzad’s open support to Imran Khan may be linked to his past connection with the PTI chairman.

The former US special representative on Afghanistan has developed close ties with Imran Khan when he was spearheading efforts aimed at finding a political solution to the Afghan war.

There is also possibility that Khalilzad is giving statements in favour of Khan because of his party's extensive lobbying in the US through Pakistani Americans.

That lobbying also played a role when former US national security advisor and staunch Pakistan critic John Bolton criticised the government for launching a crackdown against PTI. Bolton warned that mistreatment with Imran Khan could undermine bilateral ties between the two countries.

Khan when removed from power through a vote of no-confidence accused the US for being behind his ouster. But later he took a U-turn and blamed former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa for his downfall. Khan through his strong support base among the Pakistani American community has reached out to US Congressmen for help.

While former US diplomats and several members of Congress have commented on the political situation, the Biden administration is careful. The US government insists that it supports democracy in Pakistan but doesn't back any specific political party.