Leaked ‘Cipher’ Revives Debate Over Imran Khan’s Ouster and Alleged US Role
Brief By Newsbrief / 5:03 PM on 19 May 2026
A major political controversy has resurfaced in Pakistan after a leaked diplomatic document allegedly linked to former Prime Minister Imran Khan was made public by investigative media outlet Dropsite. The leaked “cipher” document has once again fueled allegations that the United States may have played a role in Khan’s removal from power in 2022.
The document, identified as “I-0678,” reportedly contains details of a meeting between Pakistan’s then-ambassador to the US and senior American official Donald Lu. The meeting allegedly took place shortly before the no-confidence vote that removed Imran Khan from office.
Imran Khan has repeatedly claimed that his government was targeted because of its independent foreign policy and refusal to fully align with the US against Russia and China. The United States has consistently denied these allegations, calling them baseless.
Khan had also accused political rivals, including Pakistan Muslim League-N and Pakistan Peoples Party, of working with foreign powers to topple his government. Both parties rejected the claims and maintained that Khan was removed through a constitutional parliamentary process.
Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf now claim the leaked document validates Khan’s long-standing accusations. One phrase reportedly mentioned in the discussion — “All will be forgiven” — has become a major talking point, with supporters interpreting it as a signal that Pakistan-US relations would improve after Khan’s removal.
The report also claims Pakistan’s military establishment had begun separate engagements with Washington before Khan was ousted. It further alleges that after his removal, Pakistan moved closer to US strategic priorities, including military cooperation linked to the Ukraine conflict.
The timing of the leak is being viewed as highly sensitive, especially as Pakistan is currently trying to project itself as an important regional mediator in international diplomacy.