A leaked diplomatic cable alleges the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the Pakistani military conspired to remove former Prime Minister Imran Khan from power [1].

The revelation suggests a direct intervention by a superpower in Pakistan's internal governance. If verified, the documents would provide evidence for long-standing claims that foreign intelligence services influenced the leadership changes in Islamabad.

The cable, which originated from Pakistan’s foreign ministry, was made public in May 2024 by the investigative outlet Drop Site [1]. According to the leaked text, the U.S. sought the removal of Khan because he refused to align Pakistan’s foreign policy with the interests of Washington [1].

The documents describe a coordinated effort between the CIA and elements of the Pakistani military to depose the former prime minister [1, 2]. This collaboration allegedly aimed to install a leadership more compliant with U.S. strategic goals in the region.

Imran Khan has previously suggested that his removal was the result of a foreign-backed conspiracy. The contents of the leaked cypher revive the debate over the legitimacy of his ouster and the extent of U.S. influence over Pakistani political stability [2].

Neither the U.S. government nor the Pakistani military leadership has provided a formal rebuttal to the specific allegations contained in the Drop Site publication. The cable remains a primary point of contention for those analyzing the shift in Pakistan's diplomatic relations during and after Khan's tenure.

“The U.S. sought to remove Khan because he would not align Pakistan’s foreign policy with Washington’s interests.”

This leak reinforces the perception of Pakistan as a geopolitical battleground where domestic leadership is subject to the preferences of global powers. By linking the CIA and the Pakistani military, the cable highlights the precarious balance between civilian governance and the security apparatus in Pakistan, suggesting that foreign policy autonomy can lead to internal political instability.