The U.S. State Department reiterated its denial of allegations made by Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan about a U.S. cable.
The reaction follows recent claims by Azam Khan, Imran Khan’s former principal secretary. In a recorded statement before a magistrate, Azam Khan accused his ex-boss of using the cable for political purposes and building an anti-establishment narrative.
A U.S. Department of State official categorically dismissed the cable situation involving Pakistan as a fabrication. When State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller was asked to comment, he stated, “These allegations, such as they are, are completely unfounded.” Miller also emphasized that the U.S. does not interfere in domestic politics nor endorse political parties in Pakistan or any other country.
Responding to questions about possible sedition charges against Imran Khan based on his former aide’s confession, Miller refrained from comment.
Criminal Proceedings against Imran Khan
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah announced the government’s plan to initiate criminal charges against Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, for allegedly leaking state secrets. This action was triggered by Azam’s statement made under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Imran Khan was ousted from power in a no-confidence vote in April 2022. The former Prime Minister claimed that the United States was involved in the vote due to his visit to Moscow. At a public rally on March 27, 2022, Imran alleged a U.S.-led conspiracy to oust him from office and presented a cable as proof. The U.S. has consistently and categorically denied these allegations.
Read: Imran Khan’s Political Games: Azam Khan’s Revelations on the Use of U.S. Cipher
Imran Khan visited Moscow the day before Russia invaded Ukraine.
Sanaullah said the chief secretary also confirmed that Imran claimed to have misplaced the letter when asked to return it. “Revealing a state secret is a crime,” the Interior Minister said, indicating that the state would file charges against Imran in court.
Imran Khan has expressed doubt that his former secretary could testify against him, stating, “I will not accept it until I hear it directly from him.”
