Leaked Pakistani Cypher Revives Claims Over US Role In Former PM Imran Khan’s Ouster

Last Updated:May 18, 2026, 10:33 IST

The explosive diplomatic cable has resurfaced amid renewed focus on Pakistan’s behind-the-scenes role in US-Iran diplomacy and its shifting ties with Washington.

A classified diplomatic cable linked to former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s allegations of foreign interference in his removal from office has, for the first time, been released in full as attention turns to Pakistan’s role in behind-the-scenes diplomacy between the United States and Iran.

The document, published by investigative outlet Drop Site News, details a March 7, 2022 meeting between Pakistan’s then-envoy to Washington, Asad Majeed Khan, and Donald Lu, the US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, weeks before Khan was removed through a no-confidence vote in Parliament.

According to the document, Lu allegedly told Pakistan’s ambassador that relations between Islamabad and Washington could improve if the no-confidence vote against Khan succeeded.

“I think if the no confidence vote against the Prime Minister succeeds, all will be forgiven in Washington," the cable quoted Lu as saying. It further stated: “Otherwise, I think it will be tough going ahead."

The document also reportedly warned that Pakistan risked “isolation" from the United States and Europe if Khan politically survived.

Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have repeatedly alleged that foreign pressure, backed by Pakistan’s military establishment, contributed to his removal from office in April 2022. Washington and Pakistan’s military have denied the allegations.

The United States has consistently maintained that there was “no truth" to Khan’s claims and that he never produced evidence proving foreign involvement in his ouster.

News world Leaked Pakistani Cypher Revives Claims Over US Role In Former PM Imran Khan’s Ouster

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