Pakistan’s Shahbaz Sharif government is facing serious challenges amid the change of power in America. The stance of new President Donald Trump and his allies has increased the concerns of the Sharif government. At the same time, international pressure regarding the release of Imran Khan and the sanctions imposed by the Biden administration have made the situation more complicated for Pakistan.
International support for Imran Khan’s release
Since the arrest of Imran Khan in Pakistan, political instability is deepening in the country. Now this issue is gaining momentum on the international platform also.
- Influential international figures like Donald Trump’s aide Richard Grenell and British MP George Galloway have stepped up their demand for Imran Khan’s release.
- Jeremy Corbyn, who has played a prominent role in Britain’s opposition politics, has also supported Imran Khan.
In response to these pressures, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said:
“We want to maintain a relationship with the United States of mutual respect and non-interference.”
He also clarified that Pakistan does not want external interference in domestic matters, but mutual dialogue will continue.
Sharif government faces problems due to increasing pressure
The protests by Imran Khan’s party PTI and international pressure have put the Sharif government in a difficult situation.
- Comments from global celebrities and demonstrations by Imran supporters have made the situation a big headache for the government.
- This crisis is posing a challenge for the Sharif government to maintain its image at the domestic and international level.
Biden administration’s tough stance on missile deal
The Biden administration has taken strict steps on Pakistan’s missile program.
- Sanctions have been imposed on four major Pakistani companies, raising concerns over Pakistan’s ballistic missile with a range of 12,000 km.
- America believes that this missile can be a threat to global security.
Pakistan claims:
- Pakistani experts have claimed that this missile cannot target America, but can target every city of India.
- Another reason for the sanctions is America’s displeasure over the growing defense ties between Pakistan and China.
Controversy over China-Pakistan defense partnership
Defense relations between Pakistan and China have been in dispute for a long time.
- In 1998, American Tomahawk cruise missiles were captured by Pakistan, which were later handed over to China.
- China developed the DH-10 missile using these technologies, which was inducted into Pakistan as the ‘Babur’ missile.
The partnership has been a matter of concern for the US and Western countries, and is seen as a symbol of growing defense cooperation between China and Pakistan.
Challenges before Sharif government
Even before Donald Trump assumed the presidency, international pressure on Pakistan has increased.
- The demand for Imran Khan’s release has weakened the political stability of the Sharif government.
- Cancellation of the missile deal and imposition of sanctions by the Biden administration is likely to impact Pakistan’s economy and defense policy.
