Jailed ex-Pakistani PM Imran Khan’s legal battle draws comparisons to President Trump “`

FIRST ON FOX: Supporters of jailed Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, convicted last month on corruption charges, draw parallels between his treatment and that of President Donald Trump, alleging persecution by Pakistani authorities.

Many have connected Khan’s situation to Trump’s, criticizing the government’s actions against the popular former leader. Richard Grenell, a longtime Trump advisor, even tweeted, “Free Imran Khan!” last year, highlighting Khan’s plight.

A Pakistani court sentenced Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 14 and seven years respectively, for allegedly accepting a land bribe through the Al-Qadir Trust, established during Khan’s premiership. Khan denies the charges, calling it a “witch hunt” in an exclusive interview with Digital, one of over 100 cases he faces. 

Responding to Digital’s inquiries about Khan’s conviction, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ata Ullah Tarar, defended the verdict. He stated that the 190 million pound case is a major corruption case in Pakistan’s history, citing irrefutable evidence of Khan and his wife’s guilt in using their positions for illegal favors and receiving bribes.

He further asserted that this constitutes significant corruption and that the conviction rests on irrefutable evidence, concluding the largest scam in Pakistani history.

Khan denies the charges, claiming his 2023 arrest and sentencing were a plot to prevent his political comeback.

Khan, through spokespeople, responded to Digital’s questions, noting similarities between his experiences and Trump’s. He expressed hope for steadfast leadership focused on peace, democracy, and human rights, suggesting a shared experience with Trump.

Beyond their legal battles, Trump and Khan share further similarities. Trump’s movement transformed U.S. politics, while Khan’s “Naya Pakistan” (New Pakistan) vision energized Pakistan. Both leaders eschewed political elitism, connecting with everyday citizens.

Khan described his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as inclusive, representing Pakistan’s diverse population. He countered the initial perception of PTI as an elite party, noting its broad appeal across demographics and its focus on inclusion, merit, and justice. He emphasized the party’s national reach and its unifying principles of equity and fairness.

Lahore waiter Zuhair Ahmed told Digital that Khan resonates with people from all ethnic and religious backgrounds, possessing unprecedented grassroots support, and expressed confidence in Khan’s return to power.

Some analysts suggest that “Allah, the army, and America” are key to Pakistani rule. Trump’s return has fueled speculation about potential intervention in Khan’s case, given their friendly relationship (Trump called Khan “a very good friend” at a 2020 Davos forum) and their 2019 meeting, seen as a reset in U.S.-Pakistan relations.

Following Trump’s November victory, Grenell tweeted on X, “Watch Pakistan… Their Trump-like leader is in prison on phony charges, and the people have been inspired by the U.S. Red Wave. Stop the political prosecutions around the world!” 

Zulfikar Bukhari, Khan’s special assistant, told Digital that Grenell’s tweet made him very popular in Pakistan. He believes, mirroring Trump’s situation, Khan’s return is imminent.

Khan congratulated Trump on his election win, highlighting the strength of the American people’s will. 

Both Trump and Khan prioritize the economy. Khan anticipates Pakistan’s prosperity upon his return, as the country’s economy has struggled in recent years. 

“Economic diplomacy will be central to my approach. Pakistan is rich in natural resources, yet we have barely scratched the surface of our potential in agriculture, industrialization, and IT,” Khan stated. “These sectors hold immense promise, both domestically and globally.”

Khan further explained his aspirations, emphasizing self-reliance and leveraging Pakistan’s strengths for sustainable economic relationships, creating trade and investment opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Khan concluded with a message for his supporters and opponents: “The people of Pakistan have never been more awake or more determined. They see with clarity what is happening to their nation, and they understand the forces at play. I firmly believe that truth and justice will ultimately prevail. And as long as I have breath, I will continue to fight for this cause and for a Pakistan that reflects the will and aspirations of its people.”

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