Ex-bureaucrat claims Imran Khan pre-planned US cypher drama

Azam Khan, the former principal secretary to ex-prime minister Imran Khan, has made startling revelations in a purported “confessional statement”, stating that the ex-premier had pre-planned the US cypher drama in order to gain political advantage. Khan allegedly recorded the statement under CrPC 164 before a magistrate, although his whereabouts are currently unknown.

Imran Khan’s response

Imran Khan responded to the claims by calling Azam Khan an “honest man” but stated that he would not accept the statement until he heard the bureaucrat say it himself.

‘Cypher gate controversy’

The controversy surrounding the US cypher drama began when Imran Khan alleged that Washington had orchestrated a plan to remove him from office. However, the US has repeatedly denied such allegations. In his purported confession, Azam Khan stated that the ex-premier had kept the cypher with himself in violation of the law. He also mentioned that Imran Khan had suggested a formal meeting to discuss the cypher’s contents with the foreign minister and foreign secretary.

FIA to probe ‘cypher-gate’ scandal

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been tasked with investigating the ‘cypher-gate’ scandal. The Lahore High Court (LHC) recently withdrew a stay order against a call-up notice to Imran Khan by the FIA in relation to an audio leak regarding the cypher controversy. The FIA will now carry out its investigation into the matter.

PTI plays down ‘cypher drama’ statement

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has played down Azam Khan’s statement, calling it full of contradictions. The party spokesperson stated that Khan’s disappearance case is registered and the police have been unable to locate him. The PTI also highlighted that the National Security Committee (NSC) has already verified the content of the US cypher.