By Sahar Khan

Pakistan, a nation well-versed in the constant pull of external forces, finds itself once again embroiled in a geopolitical struggle. The latest chapter in this ongoing saga revolves around the political resurgence of Imran Khan—an event marked not by organic public support but by a carefully orchestrated foreign intervention. Known as "Operation Goldsmith" within Pakistan, this isn't a fictional construct but a stark reality that highlights the lengths to which foreign powers are willing to go to protect their interests in South Asia.

In Islamabad’s diplomatic circles, a particular senior Western diplomat has emerged as both a subject of intrigue and concern. This diplomat, with extensive experience in conflict zones such as Yemen, Afghanistan, and Kenya, has taken an unusually active role in Pakistan’s political affairs. The diplomat’s recent flurry of meetings with journalists, human rights advocates, and academics deviates from the standard diplomatic engagements one might expect. Instead, it signals a calculated effort to rally support for Imran Khan, the ex-Prime Minister currently detained in Adiala Jail for his alleged crimes.

What is particularly unsettling is this diplomat’s deep involvement in what appears to be an attempt to revive Khan’s political career. For a foreign envoy to be so invested in a single political figure is not only unusual but also raises serious concerns. This is not mere speculation but rather a clear and deliberate strategy, prompting the question: What do these Western powers stand to lose in Pakistan that justifies such blatant interference?

Western media outlets have not hesitated to cover Imran Khan’s situation. Over the past year, the narrative surrounding Khan has shifted dramatically, with a wave of sympathetic reports portraying him as a victim of an authoritarian regime. This is the same Khan who was removed from power through a democratic no-confidence vote and who now faces multiple criminal charges. Yet, despite these facts, international media have published at least 129 articles criticizing Pakistan’s state institutions, particularly the military, while casting Khan as a beleaguered hero.

This media blitz is not an organic response to a political crisis but a calculated campaign driven by powerful interests. The Goldsmith family, with whom Khan has personal ties through his former marriage, along with other influential Zionist and capitalist networks, are widely believed to be behind this effort. Their objective is clear: to restore Khan to power in a manner that aligns with their broader geopolitical goals. It’s no coincidence that Khan is now quietly being encouraged to submit his candidacy for the chancellorship of a prestigious British university—a move that, in this context, appears to be part of a larger strategy to rehabilitate his international image.

Perhaps most concerning is the selective moral outrage displayed by Western powers and their media outlets. While global attention is fixated on Khan’s political fortunes, far greater tragedies are occurring with little to no coverage. The ongoing violence in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed and countless more displaced, is met with a deafening silence. The same Western media that champions human rights in one instance seems to conveniently overlook them in another.

This selective outrage is not a new phenomenon, but it is becoming increasingly blatant. Western powers have long been accused of using the language of democracy and human rights as tools to further their own geopolitical agendas. In Pakistan’s case, the disparity in coverage between Khan’s legal troubles and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza reveals the true priorities of these powers. It’s not about upholding democratic values but about preserving influence in strategically important regions.

For Imran Khan, the foreign support he has received may seem like a lifeline, but it is also a double-edged sword. In Pakistan, public sentiment has historically been wary of leaders perceived to be too closely aligned with Western interests. This skepticism is not without foundation; it is rooted in a long history of foreign meddling that has often led to disastrous outcomes for the country.

The more Western powers push for Khan’s political revival, the more they risk alienating the very people whose support he needs. Pakistanis are acutely aware of foreign interference in their domestic affairs, and any attempt to impose a leader from outside is likely to meet strong resistance. The increasing number of pro-Khan articles in international media is not going unnoticed, and as the true extent of this external influence becomes clearer, it threatens to undermine the very cause it seeks to promote.

Operation Goldsmith is more than just a political maneuver; it is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for Pakistan’s sovereignty. The efforts to manipulate public opinion and influence political outcomes from abroad are not just perceptions but are grounded in reality—a challenge that Pakistan must confront head-on. The task for Pakistan is to resist these external pressures and ensure that its future is shaped by the will of its people, not by the designs of foreign powers.

In an increasingly interconnected world, where media narratives can shape destinies, Pakistan must remain vigilant. The sovereignty of the country is not a bargaining chip to be traded on the global stage but a fundamental right that must be fiercely defended. The stakes are high, but Pakistan has faced greater challenges before and emerged resilient. The determination of its people, coupled with a clear understanding of the forces at play, will be crucial in navigating this latest test of its independence.

Author Bio:
Sahar Khan is a graduate of COMSATS University, having an extensive research experience in European Union, Russia-Ukraine, and Sub-Continent Power Politics.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of The South Asia Times