In what appears to be a calculated comment on the ongoing political crisis in Pakistan, Russia Tuesday lashed out at the United States for its “shameless interference” in the internal affairs of Pakistan, and added that Washington is “punishing” Prime Minister Imran Khan for his Moscow visit and "balanced approach". 

The remark came in reference to Khan’s allegation that the United States is behind the opposition's attempt to oust him for his independent foreign policy approach. Last week, he had claimed that a western country was miffed with him because he went ahead with his Russia visit just when Moscow invaded Ukraine. 

“This is another attempt of shameless US interference in the internal affairs of an independent state for its own selfish purposes,” Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said while mentioning the timeline and allegations described by Prime Minister Khan himself. 

Americans and their allies, she said, were exerting “rude pressure” on Imran Khan, and had been pressuring him to cancel his Moscow visit.  However, Khan’s refusal and later Islamabad’s “balanced approach to the events in Ukraine” made it realise  that the US’  partnerships with Pakistan are “possible only if Imran Khan is removed from power," she said. 
  
"The [Pakistan] prime minister himself has repeatedly stated that the conspiracy against him was inspired and financed from abroad,” she said. 

Significantly, in what appears an overt attempt to influence Pakistan voters, Zakharova said, “We hope that Pakistani voters will be informed about these circumstances when they come to the elections, which should be held within 90 days after the dissolution of the National Assembly."

It isn’t just a coincidence that Moscow’s statement came when the chasm between Khan and the powerful military has widened, with both having conflicting approaches to the war in Ukraine. 

While Pakistan’s government maintained a neutral position on the conflict in Ukraine and avoided condemning Russia’s actions, despite immense pressure from the EU and the US, Pakistan's Army Chief General Qamar Javad Bajwa last week termed Russia’s invasion a “huge tragedy” that should be stopped immediately.

In his speech at the Islamabad Security Dialogue last week, Gen Bajwa said that Russia's actions "can’t be condoned" despite Moscow having "legitimate security concerns". 

Importantly, Moscow also noted that the Pakistan president dissolved the national assembly on the advice of Prime Minister Khan. 

In any other case, Moscow would have stayed away from commenting on the matter related to domestic political developments that are already sub judice in Pakistan’s top court. However, it appears Moscow sensed an opportunity and decided to choose between a reluctant, but critical, powerful military (the Pakistan military) and ab anti-American leader (Imran Khan). 

(SAM)