New Delhi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has engaged a Washington-based lobbying firm According to local media reports, to support the party’s goal of developing good relations with the US and Pakistani diaspora in the country.
The development comes as the party begins to repair ties with the administration led by US President Joe Biden. PTI had earlier this year accused the US of overthrowing the Imran Khan-led government through a conspiracy.
PTI USA, based in New York, is a major client of lobbying firm Fenton/Arlook. A report in The News said the firm has been hired to manage public and media relations for PTI USA for a period of six months at a cost of $25,000 a month.
On 1 August the agreement was signed between David Fenton of Fenton/Arluk and Salman RawlaAdvocate for PTI USA.
The agreement further states that PTI USA is not monitored, owned or controlled by any foreign political party, but “in certain cases” will be “directed by a foreign political party in Pakistan”.
“Fenton/Arlook will provide public relations services, including distributing information and briefings to journalists, placing articles and broadcasts, arranging interviews with PTI representatives or supporters, advising on social media efforts and other such public relations services, But it is not limited to these.” Agreement between PTI and PR firm
Reportedly, the Pakistan Embassy in Washington also took the services of the same firm.
Senior PTI leader and former information minister Fawad ChaudhryHowever, tried to reduce the growth. “This is not a lobbying firm but a media relations firm set up by PTI USA to expose its point of view in the media,” he said in a tweet.
(with inputs from agencies)
The development comes as the party begins to repair ties with the administration led by US President Joe Biden. PTI had earlier this year accused the US of overthrowing the Imran Khan-led government through a conspiracy.
PTI USA, based in New York, is a major client of lobbying firm Fenton/Arlook. A report in The News said the firm has been hired to manage public and media relations for PTI USA for a period of six months at a cost of $25,000 a month.
On 1 August the agreement was signed between David Fenton of Fenton/Arluk and Salman RawlaAdvocate for PTI USA.
The agreement further states that PTI USA is not monitored, owned or controlled by any foreign political party, but “in certain cases” will be “directed by a foreign political party in Pakistan”.
“Fenton/Arlook will provide public relations services, including distributing information and briefings to journalists, placing articles and broadcasts, arranging interviews with PTI representatives or supporters, advising on social media efforts and other such public relations services, But it is not limited to these.” Agreement between PTI and PR firm
Reportedly, the Pakistan Embassy in Washington also took the services of the same firm.
Senior PTI leader and former information minister Fawad ChaudhryHowever, tried to reduce the growth. “This is not a lobbying firm but a media relations firm set up by PTI USA to expose its point of view in the media,” he said in a tweet.
(with inputs from agencies)