- PM: Asad Majeed denied US plot mention.
- Services chiefs also agreed, PM notes.
- The Intercept claims secret document possession.
In a recent development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again dismissed the claims made by his predecessor, Imran Khan, regarding a supposed “conspiracy” orchestrated by the United States to remove his government. This ongoing exchange of words has highlighted the rift between the current administration and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman.
The latest dispute emerged in response to a foreign media report discussing a US cipher, which allegedly supported Imran Khan’s allegations that he was ousted from power due to American pressure following his visit to Russia.
During an interview, PM Shehbaz was asked whether the publication of this news story lent credibility to Imran Khan’s narrative. In response, the prime minister revealed that he had presided over two meetings of the National Security Committee (NSC) concerning the cipher. He recounted that the current foreign secretary, Asad Majeed Khan, who had served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the US in March 2022, had shared his conversation with Donald Lu in the cipher.
PM Shehbaz quoted Majeed Khan, who clarified during the meeting that there was no mention of any conspiracy in the cipher. He emphasized that Pakistan’s ambassadors worldwide regularly communicate and share their conversations, implying that this practice is routine and not indicative of any hidden agenda.
Furthermore, the prime minister highlighted that key figures, including the services chiefs and the former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, were present in the NSC meeting. They unanimously acknowledged that there was no evidence of a US conspiracy against Imran Khan’s government.
Addressing the allegation that his government’s formation was under the influence of a US conspiracy, PM Shehbaz pointed out a contradiction. He highlighted that his administration had procured cheaper oil from Russia, which challenges the notion of being controlled by an American plot.
PM Shehbaz also stressed that his government had taken steps to strengthen ties with China, restoring them to the level they were at during 2017 when Nawaz Sharif held the prime ministerial position. This move aimed to underscore the continuity of diplomatic efforts across administrations.
The prime minister recounted a previous instance in which Imran Khan himself had retracted his “US conspiracy” statement, acknowledging that there was no concrete evidence to support such claims.
As these assertions and counter-assertions continue to play out on the public stage, it’s important to note that the recent report by The Intercept was released around the same time as the dissolution of the National Assembly. However, the US publication explicitly stated its inability to authenticate the document’s contents, raising questions about the credibility of the information presented.
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In response to these developments, Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah acknowledged that the story from the foreign media outlet contained nothing new. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to establish the authenticity of the information or source document, suggesting that a more comprehensive examination is necessary to uncover the truth behind the claims and counterclaims.
The ongoing debate continues to capture the attention of the public and underscores the importance of critical analysis and thorough verification of information before drawing any conclusions. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for all parties involved to prioritize transparency and accountability.
