ISLAMABAD: Explosive new details have emerged regarding the behind-the-scenes discussions leading up to former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Russia in February 2022. Despite classified US intelligence warning of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pakistani leadership dismissed the concerns, leading to a decision that remains central to the country’s political and diplomatic discourse three years later.
A Pre-War Visit That Raised Questions
In the days leading up to Khan’s Moscow visit, Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf received a critical phone call from US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Sullivan explicitly warned that Russia was on the verge of launching an offensive against Ukraine, cautioning that Khan’s trip could send the wrong diplomatic signals.
However, Pakistani officials questioned the credibility of the US intelligence, recalling past misjudgments such as the infamous Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) claims. Moeed reportedly dismissed the warning, asking whether the Russia intelligence was as unreliable as the false WMD narrative that justified the Iraq War.
Military and Government Divisions on the Trip
Given the tense geopolitical climate, Imran Khan consulted the then-Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on whether the visit should proceed. Sources reveal that Pakistan’s military leadership did not advise against the trip, citing a lack of any credible intelligence on an imminent Russian invasion.
“The military establishment supported Khan’s visit, as there was no strong evidence suggesting an attack was imminent,” a well-placed source disclosed.
While Pakistan’s intelligence did acknowledge Russia’s troop movement, officials determined there was no immediate logistical support to suggest a full-scale invasion.
US Warnings Ignored as Russia Attacked
Despite assurances from the Pakistani military and skepticism toward US intelligence, the situation changed dramatically. Just hours after Imran Khan met Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, plunging Khan’s delegation into a diplomatic crisis.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that following the attack, Moeed Yusuf suggested shortening the visit to avoid further complications. However, some delegation members urged Khan to continue with the schedule, arguing that cutting the trip short would signal weakness.
“Khan’s delegation was caught in an embarrassing situation,” an insider revealed. “They debated whether to continue or exit early.”
PTI’s Political Spin on the Russia Visit
Three years later, Khan’s Moscow trip continues to shape Pakistan’s political narrative. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party claims Khan was strategically correct in engaging with Russia, arguing that his approach would have secured cheaper oil deals for Pakistan.
However, inside sources contradict this, stating that no official oil agreement was ever signed between Pakistan and Russia.
“The military never advised Khan against the visit, and there was no oil import agreement in place,” an official source clarified. “The trip was supported at the time, but the consequences were unforeseen.”
PTI vs. Military Narrative
The PTI has also used this incident to accuse General Bajwa of betraying Khan’s policies, with party leaders insisting that Khan was unfairly ousted for engaging with Russia.
Yet, sources within the security establishment argue that Khan’s visit was never opposed. Instead, they highlight that the unexpected timing of Russia’s invasion forced Pakistan into a diplomatic dilemma.
The Larger Geopolitical Picture
The US had issued repeated warnings to allies and global partners about Russia’s intentions, but skepticism remained widespread. Even European countries were divided over the credibility of Washington’s intelligence reports.
Pakistan was not alone in doubting US intelligence, but the consequences of Khan’s visit played into a larger shift in international alliances. In the wake of the invasion:
Pakistan found itself under pressure from Western nations for engaging with Russia.
Diplomatic relations with the US strained, particularly as Pakistan balanced its ties with both China and Russia.
Internal political debates intensified, with the PTI framing the visit as a justification for Khan’s later removal from office.
Conclusion: A Visit That Changed Pakistan’s Diplomatic Stance
Looking back, Imran Khan’s Russia visit remains one of the most controversial foreign policy decisions of his tenure. While some defend the trip as a legitimate engagement with a key global power, others argue it was a major diplomatic miscalculation that placed Pakistan in a difficult position.
With ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan, the Moscow visit continues to be a flashpoint in debates over foreign policy, military influence, and the country's relationship with global powers like the US and Russia.
Source: The News
.png)
.png)
.png)
0 Comments