On Tuesday, Richard Grenell, the United States (US) President Donald Trump’s Envoy for Special Missions, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a photo of his meeting with the sons of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan. Grenell offered words of encouragement, advising them to “stay strong” during their father’s imprisonment.
In his post, Grenell warmly welcomed Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan to California, stating, “I loved hanging out with you today.” He also expressed solidarity, writing, “There are millions of people around the world who are sick of political prosecutions. You are not alone. #freeimrankhan.”
The meeting was organized upon the request of the Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAC). When a social media user, @AsadMalik123, thanked Grenell for his support, the US envoy replied, “Thank you! We are in this fight together.”
Grenell has been vocal in his support of Imran Khan, especially following the November 26, 2024, crackdown by security forces on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstrators in Islamabad. Initially, Grenell posted on his X account calling for Khan’s release with the hashtag “Free Imran Khan,” though his comments garnered little attention at that time.
However, Grenell’s role gained more significance in Pakistani politics after his appointment as Trump’s aide in December. His social media posts were amplified by PTI supporters, particularly after his appearance on Newsmax, where he drew parallels between Imran Khan’s situation and that of Donald Trump, who had faced similar allegations of political persecution.
Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023, following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. On August 5, 2025, he will mark two years of imprisonment. Currently, he is held in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, where he receives B-class facilities due to his former prime ministerial status. The growing international calls for his release, including Grenell’s support, highlight ongoing concerns about political repression in Pakistan.
Also Read: Kasim Khan Speaks Out on Imran Khan’s Arrest and Calls for Justice in Pakistan
