Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for a new investigation into remarks made by US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, who denied the “cypher conspiracy” implicated in Khan’s removal from office. Lu, addressing a Congressional panel, labelled the conspiracy theory a falsehood. Khan, from Adiala Jail, refuted claims of a meeting with the US envoy, indicating readiness to discuss Lu’s comments and the US embassy’s alleged involvement in the cypher controversy if such a meeting were to occur.
Khan emphasized the original cypher document remains with the Foreign Office, highlighting his reception of only a paraphrased copy. He mentioned the misplaced document, asserting the prime minister’s role surpasses office security’s, relying instead on established security protocols.
Furthermore, Khan advocated for a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 incidents and the February 8 elections, condemning the political targeting post-May 9 and dismissing the significance of subsequent president and Senate elections as compromised. He suggested his continued imprisonment is acceptable if it leads to the release of his party members.
Last week, during a hearing on Pakistan’s democratic future and its relations with the US, Lu testified, denying any US government actions against Khan. In response, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan accused Lu of lying and demanded a reexamination of the cipher incident. The controversy originated when Khan, prior to his April 2022 ouster, alleged a foreign conspiracy against his government, implicating the US and Lu based on a letter from Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed.
Gohar expressed concerns for Khan’s safety, attributing potential risks to “powerful people” and referencing past threats from PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah. The PTI has taken legal action against Sanaullah. In discussions with Khan, Gohar mentioned Senate election strategies, including candidate selections for various seats and contingency plans for any objections.
He shared updates on the ongoing £190 million case trial against Khan, noting a witness’s testimony that neither Khan benefited nor the state suffered from the deal. Gohar outlined PTI’s electoral campaign plans for upcoming by-elections in Punjab and KP.
