
A leaked secret diplomatic document called the “I-0678 Cipher” has reportedly revealed details of discussions linked to the removal of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan from power in 2022.
According to reports published by the website “The Intercept,” the document contains details of a conversation between Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, Asad Majeed Khan, and US official Donald Lu. The meeting reportedly took place just days before Imran Khan’s government was removed through a parliamentary no-confidence vote.
The leaked document allegedly revealed that relations between Islamabad and Washington could improve if Imran Khan was removed from office. It also warned that if Khan survived the political challenge, Pakistan might face diplomatic isolation from the United States and Europe.
The report further claimed that if Imran Khan’s government fell, Pakistan would be “forgiven.”
The document also claims that Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow during the early days of the Russia-Ukraine war had increased tensions with the United States and Europe.
Imran Khan visited Moscow on February 23-24, 2022, when Russia had launched its military operation in Ukraine. The visit drew strong international reactions and brought Pakistan’s foreign policy under global attention.
The cipher reportedly says that Imran Khan had “clearly regretted” the timing of his Moscow visit and said it should not be seen as support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
These revelations are being seen by many supporters of Imran Khan as strengthening his long-standing claim that foreign forces were involved in the collapse of his government.