A quiet realisation appears to be dawning upon the PML-N government that the much-hyped lifeline from Washington for the incarcerated former prime minister, Imran Khan, is not forthcoming – at least for now.
For months, PTI and Imran's supporters clung to the hope that a change in the US administration would lead to a shift in their leader's fortunes.
Social media buzzed with theories, fuelling the idea that a single call from the White House could change the ex-PM's fortunes. However, recent diplomatic discussions between the PML-N government and the new US leadership indicate that the expectations were overly optimistic.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior PML-N minister believed that Imran "is not even on the US' to-do list".
The blunt remark not only sums up the mood within the ruling party after a series of engagements with US officials but also pours cold water on PTI's hopes as the much-anticipated political rescue from Washington currently seems to be nowhere on the horizon.
The minister revealed that the perspective emerged from recent interactions with US officials, who he said told Pakistani counterparts to disregard the social media fervour surrounding Imran's imprisonment, adding that no official concerns had been raised on the matter.
"In our recent interactions, it became clear that they aren't interested in Imran Khan," the minister said.
"They said don't even bother about the noise on social media," he said, adding that it was not an issue for them and hasn't been raised at any level.
Currently, Imran remains detained in Adiala jail, facing multiple convictions and ongoing legal proceedings. Despite the fervent campaigns by his party and supporters, the US has consistently maintained a stance of non-interference.
In March this year, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce had reiterated this position twice.
On March 19, Bruce had declined to comment on "the internal frameworks of another country" when asked about Khan being "languishing in jail for the last two years". Earlier, during a media briefing on March 6, when a clarification was sought on the expected support for Imran from US President Donald Trump, the spokesperson chose to sidestep the question.
Nevertheless, the rumour mill remained active, with recent claims suggesting a meeting between a US delegation and Imran Khan – a claim immediately rejected by the government.
"No such meeting took place I categorically reject these rumours," Senator Irfan SiddiquiPML-N's parliamentary leader in the Senate and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said.
Meanwhile, PTI's attempts to initiate dialogue with the powerful stakeholders have reportedly yielded little progress. While social media continues to buzz with predictions about Khan's imminent release or political upheavals, the formal channels remain silent, and the legal woes against him continue unabated.
In January, the beleaguered former ruling party had claimed to have finally found the lost key and cracked the door open for an audience with Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Syed Asim Munir – a much-desired breakthrough that Imran had been seeking for a long time to resuscitate his sagging political fortunes.
The government side, however, was quick to deny the meeting, with Senator Siddiqui saying the meeting being referred to was specifically convened to discuss the security situation and no separate "exclusive meeting" was held.
Interestingly, PTI's apparent leaning toward the US for seeking assistance has drawn criticism, particularly given Imran's past rhetoric.
During his tenure as prime minister, Imran had famously rebuked Washington, especially after his government claimed he was ousted through a "foreign conspiracy".
PTI supporters' apparent anticipation of American support undermines its past narrative, but the contradiction is not lost on the PML-N government.
So far, the US has not even offered behind-the-scenes signals of concern over Imran's imprisonment, the PML-N leaders say.
Instead, they say, Washington continues to prioritise regional security, counterterrorism cooperation and economic stability in its dealings with Islamabad – a stance expressed by Bruce by saying "we extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan" for the arrest of the alleged ISIS-K operative and planner responsible for the deaths of the 13 US service members and over 160 Afghans at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan.
The high-value arrest had even elicited praise from President Trump during his address to Congress when he said: "And I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster," Trump added much to the surprise of many who thought Pakistan no longer remains relevant in Washington.
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