Zulfi Bukhari Congratulates Donald Trump, Seeks Justice for Pakistan

On November 6, 2024, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zulfi Bukhari extended his congratulations to Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, following his victory over Democratic opponent Kamala Harris. This win marks Trump as the 47th president of the United States, a significant event that has drawn attention not only in America but also across the globe, including Pakistan.

Bukhari expressed his hopes that Trump would play a vital role in addressing conflicts and injustices worldwide, particularly those affecting Pakistan. He stated, "Many congratulations to President Trump, the vice president, and his whole team on behalf of the PTI, [its founder] Imran Khan." This statement came shortly after Trump delivered his victory speech in Palm Beach, Florida, where he was projected to have secured 277 electoral college votes against Harris’s 222.

In his remarks, Bukhari emphasized the importance of democracy, saying, "This is a reminder that in a democratic country, it does not matter how many fake cases are made against a leader and state machinery is used against him, they always win [if there's democracy]." He highlighted that Trump’s election was based on a mandate focused on peace and economic stability.

Moreover, Bukhari expressed his hope that Trump would steer the United States towards peace and assist in resolving ongoing wars and conflicts. He stated, "We hope that he [Trump] takes the US towards peace and helps towards [bringing] peace in light of the existing wars and conflicts [...] and we also hope that his focus will also be on injustices around the world and those committed inside Pakistan." This sentiment reflects a desire for international support in addressing local issues.

As an adviser on international affairs to Imran Khan, Bukhari has been actively involved in a media campaign in the UK, advocating for the release of the former prime minister, who has been imprisoned for over a year. His comments come amid allegations from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who claimed that the PTI was seeking foreign intervention to secure Khan's release and facilitate his settlement abroad.

Asif stated, "They are telling the foreign powers to influence Pakistan towards releasing Imran Khan and send him to so-and-so country," during an interview with a private news channel. This claim follows a recent letter from 20 British parliamentarians urging the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy to advocate for Khan’s release from Adiala Jail.

Additionally, over 60 members of the US House of Representatives have also reached out to President Joe Biden, requesting that he leverage the United States' influence with the Pakistani government to secure the release of political prisoners, including Khan. The lawmakers' letter emphasized the need to address widespread human rights abuses in Pakistan.

The political landscape in Pakistan remains complex, with international dynamics playing a crucial role in shaping its future. The hopes expressed by Zulfi Bukhari for Donald Trump’s presidency reflect a broader desire for justice and peace, not only in Pakistan but around the world. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor how these international relationships evolve and what impact they may have on the political climate in Pakistan.