Islamabad: The PTI asserts that US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has acknowledged the existence of a diplomatic cable, aligning with Imran Khan’s stance.
During a press briefing on Thursday, PTI leaders emphasized that Lu’s testimony before the US Congress’ Foreign Affairs Committee affirmed the reality of the cipher.
PTI Central Information Secretary, Raoof Hasan, stated that Lu acknowledged the existence of the cipher but disputed its contents. Hasan accused Lu of misleading the Congressional committee regarding the testimony of the former Pakistan envoy to the US, Asad Majeed, who denied any conspiracy.
According to Hasan, Majeed’s admission in two National Security Committee (NSC) meetings chaired by Imran Khan and Shehbaz Sharif, respectively, prompted a formal protest to the US for interfering in Pakistan’s internal matters.
The PTI contends that the diplomatic cable, whose contents were disclosed by ‘The Intercept’ in August 2023, highlighted US displeasure over Imran Khan’s visit to Russia in 2022 and hinted at repercussions if he remained in power.
Hasan defended Imran Khan, stating that the PTI founder truthfully disclosed the cipher and advocated for an independent judicial inquiry into the matter.
Former Gilgit-Baltistan CM Khalid Khurshid praised Khan’s resolute stance against US interference and called for a transparent trial involving former COAS Qamar Javed Bajwa and Asad Majeed.
PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry criticized the Election Commission of Pakistan’s credibility, echoing concerns raised by Lu about the fairness of the February 8 general elections.
PTI leaders reiterated their condemnation of US interference and called for accountability regarding the alleged rigging in elections, implicating Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz Sharif.