Former U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad has welcomed the mass participation of Peshawar residents in a pro-Imran Khan rally, describing it as a clear sign of continued public support for the former Pakistani prime minister.
In a message on the social platform X, Khalilzad stated that the high turnout demonstrates that the demand for Khan’s release remains a serious issue among Pakistanis. He added that even the ongoing conflict with India has not diverted public attention from this cause.
According to Khalilzad, Pakistan’s power institutions must recognize the will of the people and shift away from their current path, which he said leads to instability, political polarization, and deeper conflict. Instead, he urged them to pursue national reconciliation.
He warned that continued suppression of dissenting voices and the imprisonment of political leaders like Imran Khan would only darken Pakistan’s future. Khalilzad reiterated that a change in the political and security approach of Pakistan’s decision-making institutions is essential for the country’s survival.
