While Donald Trump’s apparent victory in the US Presidential elections awaits final confirmation, his win has ignited speculation among supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan regarding the possibility of his release from prison.

Last week, Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to condemn the treatment of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, describing the country as being in a state of “total chaos.” He also praised the US-India partnership, a statement welcomed by Hindu American activists.

However, supporters of the imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, had hoped for a mention of his plight. The Pakistani government launched a significant crackdown on Khan’s PTI party ahead of the general elections scheduled for February.

Many Pakistani-Americans supporting Imran Khan believe Trump might advocate for the former Prime Minister during a second term, citing the close relationship they shared during Trump’s first presidency. The two met several times, including at the White House, with Trump referring to Khan as a “good friend.”

However, Michael Kugelman, author of the South Asia Brief at the Wilson Center, suggests these interactions were likely less about genuine friendship and more about Trump’s desire to facilitate meetings with the Taliban to manage the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Kugelman points to Trump’s silence regarding Imran Khan during his current election campaign as an indication that the former Prime Minister and Pakistan may not be high on his priority list.

The overall sentiment expressed is one of cautious optimism among Imran Khan’s supporters, tempered by the realistic assessment that Trump’s focus may lie elsewhere.