ISLAMABAD: The European Union’s new ambassador to Pakistan, Raimonds Karoblis, has said that any decision regarding the release of Imran Khan lies entirely with Pakistan’s judiciary.
He said this while speaking to a Pakistani news channel, adding that decisions related to the release of the PTI founder fall within the jurisdiction of the courts.
It is believed that the EU ambassador’s response contradicts the PTI narrative that Imran Khan enjoys worldwide political popularity.
Since the inception of Khan’s government, political analysts have consistently pointed out that his policies and style of diplomacy have been steering the country toward international isolation.
They say only a specific lobby in the U.S. Congress advocates for Khan’s release, and that too at the behest of PTI-affiliated lobbyists who sometimes dole out funds to secure favourable opinions and later exploit those opinions in Pakistani politics.
Analysts, however, add that such lobbies cannot produce the results the party desires. They note that U.S. President Donald Trump is eyeing billions of dollars in investment in Pakistan, which is a clear indication of confidence in the current government.
It is pertinent to mention that the military establishment has already categorically refused to play any role regarding Khan’s release, emphasising that the rule of law must be followed. The military spokesperson has, on several occasions, urged that the army be kept out of politics and that the PTI should engage with other political parties.
Defence analysts observe that such statements from the institution reflect not only its discipline but also its magnanimity in the context of the May 9 incidents, when the party shook the country’s foundations through arson, attacks on military installations, and the desecration of martyrs’ statues.
EU’s ambassador further said that the constitutional amendments are also Pakistan’s internal matter.
Pakistan’s demand about terrorism justified:
The EU envoy said Pakistan’s demand that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism is valid and justified.
He added that forming an opinion on whether the Afghan Taliban have fulfilled their Doha commitments requires more information. Karoblis stressed that talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, facilitated by Türkiye, should continue. He also noted that Pakistan’s concerns about the banned TTP are legitimate.
