What will Fenton/Airlook do for PTI USA?

Islamabad: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is under fire after it emerged that the party’s US chapter hired a lobbying firm in Washington DC at a cost of $25,000 per month.

According to documents filed on August 9 with the US Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the party has engaged Fenton/Arlook LLC to support PTI’s “goals for good relations with the United States and the Pakistani diaspora in the US.”

The party’s political opponents sees the move a serious blow to Imran Khan’s anti-America narrative but the PTI denies the claim, saying it has nothing to do with the hiring of the lobbying firm.

FARA’s main aim is to protect the United States from covert foreign influence.

The law provides US citizens with all the information about the organizations, countries and individuals who hire lobbying frims.

The documents show that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf USA is the “Foreign Principal” in the agreement signed with the US firm.

The availability of the document for the public also shows that the PTI USA did not get involved in any illegal or covert activity.

“Foreign Principal” and “Foreign Agent” have been explained in the US law.

WHAT IS A “FOREIGN PRINCIPAL”?

A “foreign principal” can be a foreign government, a foreign political party, any person outside the United States (except U.S. citizens who are domiciled within the United States), and any entity organized under the laws of a foreign country or having its principal place of business in a foreign country. 

It can also include a foreign faction or body of insurgents whose legitimacy the United States government has yet to recognize.

WHAT IS AN “AGENT OF A FOREIGN PRINCIPAL”?

An “agent of a foreign principal” is any person who acts as an agent, representative, employee, or servant, or otherwise acts at the order, request, or under the direction or control of a “foreign principal” and does any of the following: Engages within the United States in political activities, such as intending to influence any U.S. Government official or the American public regarding U.S. domestic or foreign policy or the political or public interests of a foreign government or foreign political party.     

Acts within the United States as a public relations counsel, publicity agent, information service employee, or political consultant.    

Solicits, collects, disburses, or dispenses contributions, loans, money, or other things of value within the United States.    Represents within the United States the interests of a foreign principal before U.S. Government officials or agencies.

What will Fenton/Airlook LLC will do for the PTI USA?

Read the agreement which explains the activities the US firm will undertake on behalf of the PTI.