Imran reveals Qureshi learned about cipher by chance

PTI founder claims it was intended for Gen (retd) Bajwa

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi found out about the diplomatic cipher by “chance”, claiming that it was intended for former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Talking to the media at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, he claimed that all efforts were made to suppress the cipher issue as it would have exposed US diplomat Donald Lu.

Imran said that Asad Majeed, the Pakistani ambassador, recommended conveying demarche in an official meeting to Donald Lu but now it is being said that there was no conspiracy.

“If there was nothing in the cipher then why demarche was issued [to the United States]. Does anyone ever demarches the US,” he questioned.

Imran said that no country was issued a demarche during the PTI’s three-and-a-half-year tenure. However, he added, the PTI members started defecting after the cipher issue.

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He said that Raja Riaz and other members had started visiting the US embassy after the issue emerged, claiming that this development was also confirmed in an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report.

“Bajwa hired Husain Haqqani in October 2021 without our knowledge, paid him $35,000, and had Haqqani tweet that Imran is anti-America while Bajwa is pro-America."

Imran said that the case against PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, was different, as both were disqualified, claiming that PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif had complete support from Bajwa.

"No one is attending their rallies; there is fear they might run away from the elections again, as they did earlier. Elections must be held on February 8, no matter what,” he added.

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The former prime minister said that senior politician Javed Hashmi has been in prison, and he understands that the establishment is working against him.

Regarding Chaudhry Nisar Ahmad Khan, the PTI founder said: "He is a 50-year-old friend who was invited to join the PTI in April 2018, but Chaudhry Nisar is still Chaudhry Nisar.

"If Chaudhry Nisar talks about joining us, a Vigo Dala will reach his house to pick him up."

He added that the ongoing struggle was part of a “freedom movement”, declaring his time in jail as a form of worship within this movement.

Imran urged his party candidates to kick off a peaceful election campaign commencing next Sunday, warning of potential ticket changes for candidates failing to actively participate.

He also levelled accusations against authorities, alleging impediments to the PTI's election campaign efforts.