Pakistan’s current government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have initiated discussions to ease political tensions, with a key opposition senator now claiming the UAE played a role in this development.
PTI Senator Aun Bappi alleged that UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan voiced concerns over politically driven cases against former Prime Minister Imran Khan during his recent visit to Pakistan. In a local TV interview, Bappi stated that the UAE leader advised the Pakistani government to stop its harsh approach towards PTI, indicating a possible shift in international attitudes toward Pakistan.
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He highlighted that the Sharif-led administration is under global pressure regarding human rights issues, with its actions being closely watched, potentially impacting foreign relations. Bappi claimed the UAE president specifically urged Islamabad to drop what he called “fabricated cases” against Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since mid-2023.
The PTI senator also questioned delays in the £190 million case, noting that although Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are set to appear in court on January 17, the verdict might still be delayed. He alleged external influences are affecting the judgment and claimed powerful entities are dictating the outcome. Bappi urged the state to rebuild public trust to foster meaningful dialogue.
In contrast, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) dismissed Bappi’s claims about the UAE’s involvement in Pakistan’s domestic affairs. PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry criticized PTI for diverting attention from key issues, asserting that the UAE president likely isn’t even aware of Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
Chaudhry further noted that Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkey, have previously expressed dissatisfaction with PTI’s leadership.
