A classified Pakistani diplomatic cable, recently published by the investigative outlet Drop Site, has brought renewed scrutiny to the long-standing claims that former Prime Minister Imran Khan's government was toppled due to foreign interference orchestrated by Washington.
The document, identified as “I-0678” and marked “Secret,” reportedly contains a detailed account of a meeting held on March 7, 2022. This meeting took place between Pakistan’s then-ambassador to the United States and senior American diplomat Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs.
US Concerns Over Russia Ties
According to the leaked cable, Donald Lu expressed significant concern over Pakistan’s stance on the Ukraine conflict. He specifically linked the prevailing tensions in bilateral ties to Khan’s visit to Moscow, which coincided with the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
One of the most politically charged sections of the document quotes Lu as allegedly stating that if the no-confidence motion against Khan succeeded, then “all will be forgiven in Washington.” Conversely, he reportedly warned that failure to remove Khan could lead to diplomatic isolation for Pakistan from both the United States and European nations.
Pakistani officials, as recorded in the cable, countered these concerns by arguing that Khan’s visit to Russia had been planned well in advance of the invasion. They also insisted that Islamabad's position on the Ukraine conflict was rooted in neutrality and a commitment to strategic autonomy.
Khan's "Foreign Conspiracy" Narrative
Imran Khan has consistently maintained that his removal from power through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022 was not a result of domestic political maneuvering but rather a “foreign conspiracy.” He has repeatedly accused a nexus involving the US establishment, Pakistan’s military elite, and rival political parties of orchestrating his ouster because he pursued an independent foreign policy, particularly his outreach to Moscow.
The leaked “cypher” document is significant because it appears to offer the most comprehensive public account to date of the diplomatic exchange that Khan has cited to support his narrative. The cable’s concluding “assessment” by the Pakistani ambassador reportedly suggests that Lu’s strong demarche could only have been delivered with the express approval of the White House, a detail likely to intensify political debate within Pakistan.
Washington's Consistent Denials
The United States has consistently denied any involvement in Pakistan’s domestic politics or in Khan’s removal. US officials have repeatedly stated there is “no truth” to claims of American interference and have challenged Khan to produce evidence supporting his allegations.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s rival political parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-N and Pakistan Peoples Party, have also dismissed Khan’s accusations. They contend that his removal was constitutional, driven by economic mismanagement, political instability, and a loss of parliamentary support rather than external pressure.
Ongoing Political Fallout
The controversy surrounding the “cypher” has been a defining element of Pakistan's political crisis since Khan's removal. Following his ouster, Khan has faced numerous legal challenges, arrests, bans on political activity, and an escalating confrontation with the powerful military establishment, which was once perceived as his key backer.
This latest leak is expected to further fuel the debate over whether foreign pressure played a role in Pakistan's political transition or if the episode was simply routine diplomatic friction amplified amidst an internal power struggle.