Imran Khan is once again at the  center of controversy. This time, it is in connection with a story published in the Jerusalem Post, which claims that the Pakistani Prime Minister-turned-founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) privately supports normalization with Israel. The article was said to have caused political reactions across the country.

The article in the Jerusalem Post hinted that Imran Khan’s electoral success may open up the possibility of reviewing relations between Pakistan and Israel, whereby Khan might feature prominently in a transformation of both the public and the military’s policy regarding that country. According to the report, the strategic interest of Pakistan could be served by an Israel-friendly policy, whichPakistan’s military does not want.

Political Blowback from Pakistani Leaders

The report sparked strong reactions from the prominent political figures. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal had some very harsh words for Khan, who he claimed was an agent working to normalize relations with Israel under the guise of Islamic rhetoric. According to Iqbal, this revelation proves who is behind PTI’s rise to power.

He averred that the report is a part of an international propaganda campaign to promote the founder of PTI. According to him, the report was written with the intention of weakening Pakistan economically as well as politically. Iqbal further alleged that since 2013, Khan had started using social media for engaging in hate activities and for working on propaganda against the state.

Sharper Criticism from Maryam Aurangzeb and Uzma Bukhari

Maryam Aurangzeb, one of the top leaders in Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), appeared to share the same views even while opining that Jerusalem Post proved Khan to be a hypocrite. She says it proved that Khan wanted normal relations with Israel.

Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari also condemned Khan, referring him as Israel’s frontman. She claimed that the PTI delegation was taken to Israel in an attempt to make the country amicable with it.

Mixed Reactions from Other Political Leaders:

Other politicians have come forward to condemn this unveiled information, such as Sharjeel Memon of the Pakistan People’s Party. He called on Pakistanis to reflect on the consequences of Israel’s possible support for Khan. Saeed Ghani, an influential leader in the PPP, said more bluntly that enemy countries were helping PTI to make it all the way to power.

However, leaders of PTI like Barrister Saif claimed the stance on Israel by Imran Khan to be unchanged. He said that just because a Jewish newspaper praised Khan doesn’t change the PTI founder’s stance.

Conclusion

The Imran Khan and Israel controversy has given some sharp reactions to the political landscape of Pakistan. Although the overall narrative in the Jerusalem Post is critical, the issue has thrown questions regarding Pakistan’s diplomatic future and its role as a developing nation in the region regarding its political leadership and foreign relations into sharp relief.

Sources: https://www.dawnnews.tv/

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