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Pakistan’s opposition party PTI has strongly rejected allegations made by former CIA officer John Kiriakou against its founder Imran Khan, threatening legal action unless a public apology is issued.
In an official statement released Wednesday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) described Kiriakou’s claims as “false, fabricated and lacking any credible evidence,” asserting they were politically motivated attempts to manipulate public opinion through deliberate misinformation.
The controversy erupted following Kiriakou’s interview with India’s ANI news agency, in which he alleged that before publicly accusing Washington of involvement in his removal from office in 2022, Khan had sought permission from the then-US ambassador in Islamabad. Kiriakou further claimed that Khan’s ouster was connected to American diplomatic maneuvering.
PTI’s Central Media Department dismissed these assertions as baseless fabrications designed to damage Khan’s reputation and undermine the party’s standing. The statement emphasized that if Kiriakou fails to issue a retraction and apology, the party would pursue legal remedies in US courts.
The former CIA officer’s interview also included explosive allegations regarding Khan’s ex-wife, Jemima Khan. Kiriakou claimed she had attempted to contact Pakistan’s military establishment to negotiate Imran Khan’s release from prison. PTI flatly rejected this assertion, noting that Jemima “had not visited Pakistan for years and had no communication with any government official regarding Imran Khan’s release.”
Beyond the Khan allegations, Kiriakou made controversial statements about Pakistan’s nuclear program, suggesting that control over it had previously been in American hands and claiming that US officials had paid millions of dollars to Pakistani counterparts for access or information.
Kiriakou’s professional background adds weight to his statements in some circles, though critics question his motives and accuracy. After the September 11 attacks, he served as chief of counterterrorist operations in Pakistan, overseeing several significant operations against al-Qaida, including a 2002 raid in Faisalabad that resulted in the capture of Abu Zubaydah, then believed to be the terrorist organization’s third-ranking leader. He left the CIA in 2004 to work as a consultant.
The controversy touches on the sensitive “cipher issue,” which has been a contentious political topic in Pakistan since 2022. Khan has consistently maintained that his removal as prime minister resulted from a US-backed conspiracy, a claim he says is evidenced by diplomatic communications. Both Washington and Pakistan’s current government have repeatedly denied these allegations.
Political analysts note that this exchange represents the latest chapter in Pakistan’s complex relationship with the United States, highlighting ongoing tensions and conspiracy theories that have characterized bilateral relations for decades. The timing of Kiriakou’s interview with an Indian news outlet has raised questions about potential geopolitical dimensions to the controversy.
“This incident illustrates the continuing polarization in Pakistani politics, where international actors and former officials can ignite fierce debates about sovereignty and foreign influence,” noted Dr. Ayesha Khan, an international relations expert at Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad.
The US Embassy in Islamabad has not officially commented on Kiriakou’s statements. Current US policy maintains that it respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and does not interfere in its internal political affairs.
For Khan’s supporters, Kiriakou’s claims reinforce their belief that external powers continue to meddle in Pakistan’s domestic politics. Government supporters, meanwhile, view the controversy as another attempt by Khan to deflect attention from domestic legal challenges he currently faces.
As the diplomatic fallout continues, PTI’s threat of legal action adds another dimension to an already complex political narrative that continues to shape Pakistan’s domestic politics and international relations.
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7 Comments
This dispute highlights the importance of responsible journalism and fact-checking, especially when it comes to sensitive political issues. I hope both sides will engage in a constructive dialogue and provide clear evidence to support their respective positions.
The allegations of American diplomatic maneuvering in Imran Khan’s ouster are quite serious. I’m interested to see how this plays out and whether the former CIA officer can offer compelling proof to back up his claims, or if the PTI’s accusations of fabrication prove to be accurate.
This is a concerning case of alleged false claims against a political leader. It’s important to carefully examine the evidence and avoid spreading misinformation. I’m curious to see how this situation unfolds and whether the former CIA officer can provide credible proof to back up his claims.
Threatening legal action over these alleged false claims is a bold move by the PTI. It will be important to closely follow the developments and see if the former CIA officer is able to substantiate his accusations or if the party’s claims of deliberate misinformation are justified.
The PTI’s rejection of these allegations as politically motivated is understandable, but it will be crucial to see if they can effectively counter the former CIA officer’s claims with solid evidence. Maintaining public trust is essential in such sensitive political situations.
This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions and political dynamics in Pakistan. I hope both sides will engage in a fair and transparent process to resolve this matter and provide the public with a clear understanding of the facts.
The PTI’s strong rejection of these allegations and demand for a public apology suggests they believe the claims are politically motivated and lack substance. It will be interesting to see if the former CIA officer can substantiate his statements or if this turns out to be a case of deliberate misinformation.