Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commented on the recent international news story regarding a diplomatic cable purportedly sent by Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States last year. In an interview, Shehbaz stated that if the contents of the line were accurate, as reported by a US media outlet, it would constitute a “massive crime.” The cable has sparked controversy, with implications that the US played a role in the PTI chief’s ouster through a vote of no confidence in April 2022.
Addressing the allegations, Shehbaz referenced National Security Committee meetings held under his leadership, where both former ambassador Asad Majeed and former chief of army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa denied the existence of any foreign conspiracy against Pakistan. Shehbaz also highlighted the PTI chief’s conflicting statements on the matter.
The prime minister emphasized the coalition government’s efforts to repair relationships with the US and other countries, strained during the PTI chief’s tenure. Shehbaz dismissed the allegations of conspiracy as a “bunch of lies” and underscored his commitment to strengthening international ties.
Rana Sanaullah, a prominent figure within the PML-N, called for an investigation to authenticate the alleged state document published by the US media outlet. He suggested that if the PTI chief was found guilty of leaking the diplomatic cable, he should be prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act. Sanaullah labelled the act as “sinister, treacherous, and seditious.”
The controversy surrounding the diplomatic cable, also known as “cypher-gate,” has been debated in Pakistan for some time. Imran Khan initially claimed that the alleged foreign conspiracy led to his removal through a vote of no confidence. However, the United States and opposition parties have denied these allegations.
The Federal Investigation Agency is currently probing the matter and has questioned PTI leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Asad Umar. Meanwhile, the PTI chief was arrested for the second time in three months after being convicted in the Toshakhana case.
The alleged diplomatic cable’s authenticity and implications continue to be subjects of discussion, raising questions about potential legal consequences for those involved.