ISLAMABAD: Today, a combined investigation team (JIT) from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) questioned Imran Khan, the detained Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), concerning the cablegate saga. This pertains to a cipher that the ousted prime minister alleges holds information about a threat issued by the United States against his government.
On March 27, 2022, in Islamabad, Khan waved a letter, asserting it as proof of a US-backed “international conspiracy” to overthrow his government during a public gathering.
In the preceding month, the investigative agency interrogated the ousted prime minister. He had been ousted from office through a no-confidence motion in April of the previous year.
The Lahore High Court had lifted a stay order against the summoning notice by the FIA, allowing for Khan’s questioning regarding his involvement in the leaked US diplomatic cable.
The FIA initiated inquiries against the former prime minister for allegedly disclosing a confidential diplomatic cable and retaining it in his possession.
Earlier today, the FIA’s Counter-Terrorism Wing filed a case related to the “missing cipher” from the official records of the Prime Minister’s Office. Sources with reliable information have disclosed that Khan has been formally charged in connection with this case.
They also confirmed that the JIT grilled Khan in Attock jail yesterday. According to FIA sources, “The JIT met Khan in the office of the deputy superintendent jail.”
JIT finds ‘material’ against Khan
Last week, the JIT, investigating the cipher issue, neared conclusion until a recent media leak prompted expansion of the probe.
JIT now seeks source of leak and authenticity of content. Investigation expected to conclude in about a week. Possession of cipher by ex-PM is admitted, deemed offense. Manipulating secret document for political gain violates law. JIT questioned Khan, Chaudhry, Qureshi, Umar, and officials; more questioning unlikely.
Azam Khan ‘recorded’ a statement
Last month, a new twist occurred in the cipher saga as former premier Khan’s then-principal secretary, Azam Khan, “recorded” a statement. He described the US cipher as a “conspiracy” used by Khan to shape a narrative against the establishment and opposition. Azam, previously missing since June, made his statement under CrPC 164 before a magistrate.
In his confession, Azam stated that he provided the cipher to Khan, who was enthusiastic about its content, considering it a “US blunder.” Khan reportedly suggested using the cable to create a narrative against the establishment and opposition.
Imran Khan referred to Azam as an “honest man” but reserved judgment until hearing the bureaucrat’s words directly. The PTI, however, dismissed the statement attributed to the ex-principal secretary, on the US cipher conspiracy “unverified”, and said it was a “set of contradictions”.
Cablegate
The controversy began on March 27, 2022, as Imran Khan, shortly before his removal, revealed a foreign cipher letter hinting at his government’s removal. He later identified the United States and alleged interference.
Following this, the National Security Committee (NSC) issued a demarche against the foreign nation for interference. Shehbaz Sharif’s NSC found no foreign conspiracy.
Audio leaks later surfaced involving Khan, Asad Umar, and Azam discussing the cipher’s use. A committee was formed, and the case passed to FIA. Khan challenged summons but was later called by FIA.
Lahore High Court lifted the stay order on July 18. FIA again summoned Khan, Umar, and Qureshi.
