Washington: Leader of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan stated that the US chapter of the party has contracted another lobbying firm in the United States with the aim of informing Americans about the perceived risk to the life of Imran Khan.
The PTI’s US chapter has hired a second lobbying firm in the US to create awareness among Americans regarding the perceived threat to Imran Khan’s life, a senior party leader has stated. This marks a departure from the party’s earlier stance of blaming the Biden administration for its removal from the government last year, and underscores PTI’s efforts to gain sympathy for the former prime minister in Washington, where he has not been very popular. According to documents submitted to the US Justice Department, PTI USA signed a six-month contract with Praia Consultants LLC, a lobbying firm based in Washington, on February 21, 2023. The contract can be extended for another six months with mutual consent. PTI USA, headquartered in New York, is the primary client for the lobbying firm, which will receive $8,333 per month.
The agreement stipulates that the lobbying firm will offer professional counsel on the client’s association with US government and establishments. Moreover, the firm will schedule meetings with various significant decision-makers in the US and advise on the content of the meetings.
The PTI had not disclosed the agreement signed with Praia Consultants LLC until Pakistan’s former US ambassador, Hussain Haqqani, posted a copy of the contract on his Twitter handle on Wednesday, although it was signed nearly a month ago. This sparked a reaction from Atif Khan, adviser to PTI chairman on overseas affairs, who publicly acknowledged the contract. He clarified that the PTI was spending its own money to protect Imran Khan, and the firm would help raise awareness of the threat to Mr. Khan’s life among Americans.
According to APP, Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman criticized the PTI’s agreement with a US lobbying firm, calling out the party’s hypocrisy and double standards. While acknowledging that many countries and political parties hire lobbyists, Rehman found it particularly strange that the PTI, which previously portrayed itself as a victim of US interference, was now attempting to purchase the influence of US decision-makers. She also accused the party of having a history of double standards and U-turns.
