In recent weeks, a series of letters from US lawmakers- spanning both the Republican and Democratic parties—have called for the release of Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister. What makes this unusual isn’t just the fact that these letters have come from a wide spectrum of American politicians, but the fact that they are so eager to see the release of a leader whose policies are not align with the national interests of the country.
While the US’s global image, when it comes to human rights, may be questionable at best, especially given its stance on conflicts like Gaza, the level of attention being paid to Imran Khan by US Congressmen seems somewhat out of place. Why, at this critical juncture, are lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle so invested in his fate? And perhaps more importantly, why is Imran Khan- a leader who once fiercely criticized foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal matters is now the object of such vigorous lobbying from external powers? To answer that, the article will look beyond the surface and dive into the context of what’s been dubbed Operation Goldsmith, an alleged foreign-backed plot aimed at destabilizing Pakistan, and how it fits into a broader geopolitical strategy involving the US, Israel, and India.
PTI’s Shift: From Anti-US to Seeking US Support
For many years, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan’s party, was the voice of opposition to what it perceived as the US’s heavy-handed interference in Pakistan’s politics and sovereignty. During his rise to power, Khan portrayed himself as the champion of an independent Pakistan, unshackled from the influence of foreign powers. He consistently railed against foreign aid, especially from the US, and called for a more autonomous foreign policy that placed Pakistan’s interests first.
However, this anti-US sentiment seems to have taken a backseat in recent years. Today, PTI’s political trajectory tells a very different story. Imran Khan, once an outspoken critic of American influence, is now openly courting that very influence in a desperate bid to return to power. His party’s lobbying efforts in Washington have gone into overdrive, with key US lawmakers getting involved in pushing for his release.
This shift in PTI’s stance- once anti-US, now reliant on US support- marks a significant turn in Pakistan’s political landscape. It raises an important question: why is a party that once championed Pakistan’s sovereignty is now so eager to pursue its motives with the help of foreign powers, particularly the United States? The answer may lie in the perceived benefits of foreign backing- especially for a party that has found itself isolated domestically following Khan’s ouster.
Operation Goldsmith: The Alleged Plot to Weaken Pakistan
At the center of this political drama is what some are calling Operation Goldsmith—a clandestine, foreign-backed campaign that allegedly seeks to destabilize Pakistan by discrediting its political and military leadership. According to various reports, this operation involves a concerted effort by foreign lobbies to weaken Pakistan’s social, political, and economic fabric, and it appears to be using Imran Khan as one of its key players.
The theory goes like this: Imran Khan, during his tenure as prime minister, may have promised certain strategic concessions to the US, particularly with regard to Pakistan’s nuclear program and its broader geopolitical alignment. These promises, which were reportedly made behind closed doors, would have involved a gradual alignment of Pakistan’s foreign policy with Western interests, including a potential rollback of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities—a red line for many in Pakistan’s political and military establishment.
Imran Khan’s rhetoric as Prime Minister often included sharp criticism of the US, but some analysts believe that these public positions may have been a facade. Behind the scenes, it is alleged that Khan could have been preparing to make key concessions to Washington- especially in the context of the growing rivalry between the US and China. In exchange, the West, particularly the US, may have promised to back Khan and his party as a counterweight to the growing influence of China in Pakistan and the broader region. This is the crux of Operation Goldsmith- a covert push to destabilize Pakistan and steer its future into the orbit of Western interests.
Zionist and Indian Lobbies: Dangerous Nexus
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of this situation is the support Imran Khan is receiving from two of the most powerful and influential lobbies in the United States: the Israeli (Zionist) lobby and the Indian lobby. For years, these two groups have worked in tandem to shape US foreign policy, particularly when it comes to South Asia and the Middle East. The surprising support for Khan from these lobbies raises eyebrows and points to a bigger picture—one where Pakistan’s regional influence and its nuclear deterrent are at stake.
According to reports, 30 of the 46 US Congressmen who have recently advocated for Khan’s release are funded by AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee), the influential pro-Israel lobby in the United States. Brad Sherman, a key figure within AIPAC and chair of the House Israel Caucus, has been particularly vocal in his support for Khan.
On the other hand, the Indian lobby, which has historically sought to limit Pakistan’s influence in the region, has also joined the effort. The House India Caucus, which promotes India-friendly policies in the US, has raised its voice in favor of Khan’s release. Leading figures like Ro Khanna, a well-known advocate for stronger ties with India, have been vocal supporters of Imran Khan.
This odd alliance between Zionist and Indian lobbies in the US is more than just a coincidence. It suggests that there are shared interests at play—namely, a desire to weaken Pakistan and reshape the balance of power in the region. By supporting Imran Khan, these lobbies may see an opportunity to reduce Pakistan’s geopolitical autonomy, curb its nuclear capabilities, and push it further into the Western fold.
Zulfi Bukhari: The Financial Backing Behind the Push
Behind much of the lobbying effort lies Zulfi Bukhari, a close associate of Imran Khan, whose financial influence has been crucial in these efforts. Bukhari, a businessman with ties to political elites in both the US and the Middle East, is believed to have played a key role in securing support from powerful foreign figures. His connections, coupled with his financial backing, have helped fuel the campaign to reinstate Khan—a campaign that is increasingly backed by powerful foreign lobbies.
Bukhari’s role as a financier and political strategist has raised questions about the extent of external influence on PTI’s political trajectory. By channeling financial resources into lobbying efforts in Washington, Bukhari has ensured that Khan’s case remains a priority for American lawmakers, despite the growing domestic backlash in Pakistan.
Why Imran Khan’s Return Could Damage Pakistan’s Interests
The campaign to bring Imran Khan back to power isn’t just about restoring a former leader to his post; it’s about reshaping Pakistan’s future. If Khan returns, it could signal a shift in Pakistan’s alignment—away from its traditional independence and closer to the interests of external powers, particularly the US. This would likely mean compromises on Pakistan’s nuclear policy, a reduction in its regional influence, and a weakening of its military establishment.
For Pakistan, such a shift would undermine its national security and sovereignty. The growing influence of Zionist and Indian lobbies—coupled with the financial backing of figures like Zulfi Bukhari—raises the stakes even higher. If these efforts succeed, Pakistan could find itself navigating a future where its political and military leadership is increasingly dictated by foreign interests rather than its own.
What’s happening in Pakistan today is far from a simple political dispute- it’s a dangerous game of geopolitical manipulation. The push for Imran Khan’s release, supported by Zionist and Indian lobbies, is part of a broader effort to steer Pakistan’s future into the hands of external powers. Whether or not Khan’s return to power is successful remains to be seen, but the stakes are higher than ever. Pakistan’s sovereignty, its nuclear deterrent, and its place in the region are all on the line. For a country that has long prided itself on independence, this is a crucial moment- one that will determine whether it remains free from foreign interference or becomes a pawn in the global power struggle.
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