Wednesday, speculations abound as social media users are wondering whether the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) Chief William Burns is in Pakistan.
Earlier, a picture of a USAF C17 flight route made the rounds on social media. The image, shared by Pak Intel Monitor on Twitter, shows that the jet landed in Islamabad from New Delhi.
Speculation that #CIA chief has landed in #Pakistan. But no confirmation. What's known is that a #USAF jet is in #Rawalpindi, home to an air force #PAF base and airport, and Army headquarters. Close coordination between Pakistan and major powers on #Afghanistan. https://t.co/3HwX0UZ6WD
— Ahmed Quraishi (@_AhmedQuraishi) September 8, 2021
The reason why the image is sparking speculations is that CIA William Burns is known to be currently visiting India.
Indian media reports that William Burns along with an American delegation of intelligence and security officials is visiting the region including India and Pakistan.
The CIA chief allegedly held meetings with Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. As per Indian media, they discussed a number of issues arising from the Afghanistan evacuation effort and Taliban government formation. However, the US Embassy in India refused to confirm or deny the visit of Burns.
Interestingly, Wednesday, the image of a USAF jet making its way from India to Pakistan circulated on social media. There is no confirmation yet, but speculations are aplenty as the CIA Chief frequently holds secret meetings. For instance, in late August, William Burns held a secret meeting in Kabul with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
Read more: CIA Director Burns secret meeting with Baradar at Kabul; an event tinged with irony
Nevertheless, Twitteratis are also wondering whether PM Khan will meet CIA Chief if he is indeed in Pakistan.
William Burns’ visit to Pakistan
According to NYT, William J. Burns, the CIA director, made an unannounced visit to Islamabad to meet the chief of the Pakistani military and the head of the directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence.
The meeting came earlier this year as the US sought military bases in Pakistan. However, Pakistan refused to host the spy agency’s drone bases on its territory.
Moreover, Officials said the CIA chief wanted to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan but was plainly told that only counterpart meeting between heads of government of the two countries was possible.
Read more: Pakistan would ‘absolutely not’ allow US bases in Pakistan, PM Khan