ISLAMABAD: Newly declassified documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have drawn attention in Pakistan due to scattered references to the country, including an unexpected personal interest in the traditional shalwar kameez outfit. An analysis by Independent Urdu of files hosted on the US Department of Justice website identified 864 documents containing mentions of Pakistan, amid a massive release exceeding three million pages, thousands of images, and videos. While most references appear tangential and unrelated to Epstein’s criminal network, the shalwar kameez exchange highlights a rare cultural curiosity in his correspondence.
The standout detail emerges from email exchanges in January 2017 between Epstein and an individual named Zubair Khan. In these messages, Epstein expressed delight with a shalwar kameez outfit he had apparently received or viewed, replying that he “loved the outfit.” The following day, he inquired about the specific names of the garments, prompting Zubair Khan to explain that the trousers are called “shalwar” and the upper garment “qameez” or “kurta,” noting its popularity at parties in India as well. This clarification suggests Zubair Khan may have South Asian origins, possibly Pakistani, though his identity and nationality remain unconfirmed in the redacted files.
Epstein’s enthusiasm continued, as he soon requested five additional sets in larger sizes. The emails reflect a casual, consumer-like interaction focused on clothing fit and preferences, with no indication of ulterior motives tied to his documented offences. US authorities have redacted Zubair Khan’s email address, preventing direct verification or contact. Experts reviewing such cultural snippets in the Epstein files describe them as incidental, reflecting the financier’s broad global interests rather than any criminal intent.
The broader context of Pakistan’s mentions in the documents spans diverse topics, primarily non-controversial global affairs. Significant discussions revolve around polio eradication efforts, where Epstein’s correspondence touched on security challenges faced by vaccination teams in Pakistan, field obstacles, and international cooperation involving organisations like the Gates Foundation. These exchanges align with Epstein’s known involvement in philanthropy discussions, though often superficial, and carry no evidence of illicit activity linked to Pakistan.
Political figures from Pakistan also surface sporadically. References include former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, appearing in contexts such as geopolitical analyses, potential diplomatic networks, or media reports on polio initiatives. For instance, some emails discuss Khan’s influence in public health diplomacy or reactions to his political rise. However, legal analysts emphasise that these are peripheral, often part of forwarded news summaries or general international commentary, with no substantiated personal connections or involvement in Epstein’s sex trafficking operations.
Geopolitical and security-related mentions of Pakistan occur in intelligence-style briefings on regional stability, nuclear issues, or neighbouring Afghanistan dynamics. Epstein reportedly received numerous such updates on global events, though it is unclear if he engaged deeply with them. Observers note that these reflect his eclectic reading habits rather than targeted involvement in sensitive matters concerning Pakistan.
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Overall, the documents portray Pakistan’s presence as limited and contextual, lacking any direct evidentiary link to Epstein’s grave crimes. Independent Urdu’s search underscores that while 864 files reference the country, the content remains incidental across a vast trove dominated by other high-profile names and scandals. The shalwar kameez anecdote, though intriguing, exemplifies the mundane cultural crossovers amid serious revelations.
Experts in international investigations caution against overinterpreting isolated references, stressing that the files’ primary value lies in exposing Epstein’s elite network and abuses, not routine global mentions. In Pakistan’s case, no credible evidence implicates local individuals, institutions, or entities in wrongdoing based on available disclosures.
The release, mandated under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, continues to fuel global scrutiny, yet Pakistan-related content appears benign and overshadowed by more explosive details elsewhere.
