Leaked Cable Reveals US Pressure on Pakistan to Oust Imran Khan

A leaked Pakistani diplomatic cable, purportedly sent in March 2022, provides evidence of US pressure on Islamabad to remove former Prime Minister Imran Khan from power. The document, revealed by Drop Site News, details a conversation between then-US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, and Pakistan's ambassador to Washington, Asad Majeed Khan.

US Official Warns of 'Difficulties'

According to the cable, classified as 'Secret / No Circulation,' Lu conveyed that 'all will be forgiven' if Khan was ousted through a parliamentary no-confidence vote. This statement followed Khan's visit to Moscow on February 24, 2022, the same day Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Washington reportedly viewed Khan's meeting with President Vladimir Putin with 'serious concern,' despite Pakistan's assertion that the trip was pre-planned and unrelated to the invasion, and that the country intended to maintain a neutral stance on the conflict.

Ambassador Majeed Khan's assessment, included in the cable, suggested that Lu's remarks had White House approval and constituted interference in Pakistan's internal political affairs. The document was reportedly circulated to key Pakistani officials, including the prime minister's office, the foreign minister, and the heads of the army and intelligence services.

Khan's Ouster and Suspected US Involvement

Imran Khan was indeed removed from office by a no-confidence vote on April 9, 2022, just over a month after the alleged conversation. At the time of his ouster, Khan himself claimed his removal was part of a 'US-backed regime-change operation.' The leaked cable appears to corroborate these claims for many of his supporters.

Further context from the report indicates that prior to his removal, Khan had reportedly refused a US request to establish CIA drone bases on Pakistani territory for surveillance and potential strike operations. Following Khan's dismissal, Pakistan's relationship with the US reportedly improved, with the country subsequently supplying weapons to Ukraine via third-party intermediaries and defense contractors. This shift in policy coincided with the IMF approving a significant $3 billion standby loan to Pakistan in July 2023, a move some reports suggest was linked to these arms shipments.

Khan's Continued Persecution

Despite being ousted from power, Imran Khan has remained a significant political force, though he has faced extensive legal challenges. He is currently involved in over 150 legal cases. His arrest in May 2023, within the premises of the Islamabad High Court, and subsequent conviction shortly before the January 2024 general elections, drew international attention. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was barred from using its electoral symbol, and media outlets were reportedly instructed to censor coverage of the party.

Concerns about Khan's well-being have also been raised. A UN Special Rapporteur on torture warned in December 2025 of potentially inhumane detention conditions, citing solitary confinement, lack of natural light, and poor ventilation, which have reportedly led to significant health issues for the former prime minister, who has previously survived an assassination attempt and suffers from a severe spinal injury.