Counter-campaign begins in US against Imran, PTI

NEW YORK: A counter-campaign against Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has begun in the US.

Following the PTI’s protests and digital truck campaigns with slogans, opposing groups have also started their activities in Washington. The PTI and its critics have turned Washington into a battleground for political influence.

Ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20, opponents of the PTI have rented trucks displaying digital slogans and messages against the PTI and its founder, Khan. These trucks display images and controversial statements attributed to Khan, such as his remarks supporting Osama bin Laden and the Afghan Taliban, which are intended to resonate negatively with the American public.

While the PTI’s US supporters have been using digital posters on trucks to highlight alleged government oppression in Pakistan, the opponents are employing a similar strategy by focusing on Khan’s past statements. These statements include calling Osama bin Laden a “martyr” and endorsing the Taliban’s cause, portraying him as a supporter of extremist views.

The anti-PTI trucks feature messages and visuals designed to challenge the PTI’s narrative. This counter campaign has reportedly caused concern among the PTI’s US chapter, which had planned to use similar digital trucks during President-elect Trump’s inauguration. The situation indicates that Pakistan’s internal political disputes have now spilled over onto the streets of Washington.

Both PTI and its opponents are reportedly spending significant amounts of money on these campaigns. While the PTI openly claims responsibility for its activities, the sponsors behind the anti-Imran campaign remain unidentified. This rivalry demonstrates how political narratives from Pakistan are being amplified on international platforms, with both sides vying for influence and attention in the US.

The sentencing of Khan and his wife has elicited a strong but cautious reaction from among his supporters and friends in the US.

Discussions have begun among the PTI’s office-bearers in the US about writing letters and approaching US Congress members. This time, the PTI protest campaign is expected to intensify.

Despite repeated attempts to contact PTI USA’s head Sajjad Burki and others for their reactions, no response was received. Many of Imran Khan’s close friends are awaiting further details about the verdict and refraining from issuing immediate statements.

Meanwhile, he PTI plans to continue pursuing legal and political measures in Pakistan, including filing an appeal against the decision.

This development underscores the ongoing international advocacy efforts by Khan’s supporters, highlighting their commitment to challenging the judicial verdict both domestically and abroad.