Ciphergate
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan vehemently rejected the testimony of US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu before a Congressional panel, referring to Lu’s remarks on ciphergate as a “lie.”
Khan demanded a reopening of the inquiry into the controversy surrounding the alleged involvement of the United States in orchestrating the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from power.
Speaking to journalists outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on Thursday, Barrister Gohar disclosed that he had a detailed meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan earlier in the day.
He emphasized the need for a “clarification statement” from former Pakistani ambassador to the US, Muhammad Asad Majeed, following Lu’s testimony, wherein Lu reiterated his denial of Imran Khan’s allegations regarding US interference in Pakistani politics.
Barrister Gohar highlighted Majeed’s acknowledgment of a meeting with the US assistant secretary of state and claimed that Pakistan had lodged a strong demarche with the US over Majeed’s recommendations, confirming the authenticity of the diplomatic cable in question.
The PTI chairman pointed out discrepancies in Lu’s statement, particularly concerning his denial of the cipher’s contents and his meeting with Majeed, juxtaposed with past events in Pakistan.
Gohar reiterated that Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, had decided to pursue legal action against the US official, emphasizing that it was a “family decision.”
Responding to queries, Barrister Gohar dismissed speculation of any potential “deal” upon Imran Khan’s release from incarceration, asserting the party’s commitment to its principles.
The cipher controversy resurfaced after Lu’s testimony before a Congressional panel, where he dismissed Imran Khan’s claims as a “conspiracy theory” and emphasized that the diplomatic cable did not implicate the US government or himself in actions against the former premier.
Lu also called for an investigation into allegations of electoral fraud during the 2024 general election in Pakistan, urging accountability for those involved.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rebuffed Lu’s assertions regarding the election, citing misunderstandings regarding Pakistan’s electoral laws during the Congressional hearing.
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