Senator Sherry Rehman has expressed surprise over reports of possible US sanctions on Pakistan, stating that there has been no official indication from Washington.

She suggested that any such sanctions might be aimed at Afghanistan instead.

Speaking on Aaj TV’s programme “Insight with Amir Zia”, Rehman cautioned against reacting emotionally to unverified news.

She emphasised that Pakistan deserves recognition for its efforts and should not be viewed solely through the lens of Afghanistan.

While acknowledging recent praise from US leaders, she warned against reading too much into diplomatic gestures.

Rehman urged Pakistan to forge its own path rather than worry about India-friendly elements in the US administration.

She stressed the need for internal unity and decisive action in dealing with international challenges.

Former ambassador Masood Khan weighs in

Former Pakistani ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, also found the reports of potential sanctions surprising, given the ongoing US-Pakistan cooperation.

He recalled that even former President Donald Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s support.

Khan pointed out that the presence of Indian-origin officials in US decision-making bodies has increased, and they consistently push for anti-Pakistan policies.

He speculated that leaks to international media could be a tactic to gauge reactions before any formal decision is made.

He also noted that Pakistan and the US share economic ties, with 150,000 people employed by American enterprises in Pakistan. Any sanctions, he warned, would not only hurt Pakistan but also have repercussions for American business interests.

Highlighting the Pakistani diaspora in the US, Khan stated that nearly one million Pakistanis live or frequently travel to America, and restrictions on their movement could create significant disruptions. He urged patience, expecting Washington to make a calculated decision.

Miftah Ismail on IMF and economic policies

Meanwhile, Miftah Ismail, Secretary General of the Awam Pakistan Party, discussed the IMF programme, stating that Pakistan is meeting the lender’s requirements — primarily by increasing tax collection.

However, he criticised the government’s approach, arguing that salaried individuals have been burdened unfairly while electricity and gas prices continue to rise.

Ismail blamed the government and finance ministry for mismanagement, particularly for involving the chief justice in IMF negotiations. He accused authorities of increasing non-development expenditures while imposing further taxes on ordinary citizens.

He also condemned the rising cost of living, stating that “1.5 crore Pakistanis have fallen below the poverty line in a year, while bureaucrats and politicians continue to benefit.”

He criticised the government for prioritizing elite privileges while failing to attract investment.

Ismail further remarked that while PTI once waited for a single tweet from Trump, the current government received a decisive phone call.

He accused authorities of manipulating judicial appointments and benches, warning that such actions undermine Pakistan’s credibility on the global stage.