A quiet realisation appears to be dawning upon the PML-N government that the much-hyped lifeline from Washington for the incarcerated former prime minister, Imran Khan, is not forthcoming – at least for now.
For months, PTI and Imran's supporters clung to the hope that a change in the US administration would lead to a shift in their leader's fortunes.
Social media buzzed with theories, fuelling the idea that a single call from the White House could change the ex-PM's fortunes. However, recent diplomatic discussions between the PML-N government and the new US leadership indicate that the expectations were overly optimistic.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior PML-N minister believed that Imran "is not even on the US' to-do list".
The blunt remark not only sums up the mood within the ruling party after a series of engagements with US officials but also pours cold water on PTI's hopes as the much-anticipated political rescue from Washington currently seems to be nowhere on the horizon.
The minister revealed that the perspective emerged from recent interactions with US officials, who he said told Pakistani counterparts to disregard the social media fervour surrounding Imran's imprisonment, adding that no official concerns had been raised on the matter.
"In our recent interactions, it became clear that they aren't interested in Imran Khan," the minister said.
"They said don't even bother about the noise on social media," he said, adding that it was not an issue for them and hasn't been raised at any level.
Currently, Imran remains detained in Adiala jail, facing multiple convictions and ongoing legal proceedings. Despite the fervent campaigns by his party and supporters, the US has consistently maintained a stance of non-interference.
In March this year, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce had reiterated this position twice.
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