A group of US-based Pakistani doctors and businessmen, previously engaged in discreet diplomacy, has returned to Pakistan to advocate for relief for Imran Khan, the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
According to senior journalist Ansar Abbasi in The News, the delegation, which met a senior official and Khan during a prior visit to Islamabad months ago, arrived in Lahore this week. However, sources indicate they have not yet secured a meeting with Khan or key officials, with next week pivotal for potential interactions.
These efforts are part of unofficial channels through which PTI supporters and diaspora figures aim to influence Khan’s legal and political future. Despite informal contacts in recent months, no significant progress has been reported. Sources suggest that breakthroughs depend on political negotiations, Khan’s conduct, and the messaging from PTI’s social media and international chapters, particularly in the US and UK.
The military establishment has consistently stated it will not negotiate directly with political parties, urging them to resolve issues internally. Nevertheless, despite public denials, some PTI leaders pursue behind-the-scenes talks with officials. A major obstacle is PTI’s ongoing criticism of military leadership via official social media and international lobbying efforts, including campaigns targeting Washington and London. These actions, often accused of spreading misinformation, have strained relations further.
Some second-tier PTI leaders privately admit that the party’s confrontational tactics, especially on digital platforms, have hindered efforts to secure leniency for Khan. There is a growing internal consensus that PTI must adopt a less aggressive stance to foster meaningful dialogue and reduce tensions with state institutions.
Political analysts note that PTI’s prospects—and Khan’s situation hinge on the party’s ability to pursue constructive engagement, avoid economic disruption, and cease attacks on state institutions. As the US-based delegation seeks to engage authorities, observers are watching to see if these efforts mark a step toward reconciliation or another missed opportunity for PTI.
