PertFormer National Security (NSA) Adviser to ex-president Donald Trump, John Bolton, stated that Pakistan needs a level playing field in politics where the serious issues of the country can be discussed.
Taking to Twitter, former US NSA Bolton shared an article by Guardian which talks about Pakistan’s media ban on PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The article, written by senior journalist Hamid Mir, explains how the media in Pakistan is no longer allowed to take Imran Khan’s name.
John Bolton also said that the citizens of Pakistan wouldn’t benefit from situations that grant China greater influence. Pertinent to mention that China and Pakistan enjoy several decades of bilateral relations. The two counties recently signed a $4.8 billion deal on Tuesday to build a 1,200-megawatt nuclear power plan.
Read more: US Congressman raises voice for Pakistan in letter to Antony Blinken
“From across Pakistan’s political spectrum, there is concern about the treatment of Imran Khan’s supporters. Pakistan needs a level political playing field, where the serious issues confronting the country can be debated. The people of Pakistan will not benefit from circumstances that afford China increased influence,” John Bolton said.
From across Pakistan's political spectrum, there is concern about the treatment of Imran Khan's supporters. Pakistan needs a level political playing field, where the serious issues confronting the country can be debated. The people of Pakistan will not benefit from…
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) June 23, 2023
Back in May, former US NSA John Bolton held a conversation with Imran Khan amidst the political crisis being faced by the country at the time.
This was confirmed by Atif Khan, a senior PTI leader. The former advisor expressed concerns over the instability that has been triggered by Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9. Taking to Twitter, Bolton talked about the critical interests of the US in Pakistan and spoke out against civilian trials in military courts, stating that civilians should not be denied access to basic rights.
The Pakistani government’s crackdown on PTI party also raised concerns among US political leaders. Over 60 US lawmakers have approached Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asking for pressure to be exerted on the Pakistani government to address the human rights situation in the country, following efforts from the Pakistani-American Political Action Committee.
Read more: 66 US Congressmen urge Blinken to take action on Pakistan’s human rights crisis